adminEddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
DYNAMOS midfielder Ronald “Rooney” Chitiyo says they are looking to draw inspiration from history ahead of a crucial must-win Castle Lager Premiership match against log leaders Chicken Inn at Barbourfields on Sunday.
The Harare giants, who are battling to retain the championship, need maximum points to enhance chances of stretching their domestic league dominance to a record five championships in succession.
But they face strong competition from Chicken Inn and FC Platinum.
DeMbare have lost considerable ground in the race and they can only expect a difficult match at Chicken Inn who lead the race with 49 points.
The Glamour Boys are in tricky third place, seven points behind the leaders, with seven matches remaining.
Chitiyo yesterday said Chicken Inn were not easy opponents but he believes Dynamos have no choice but win this particular game in order to reduce the gap between them and the log leaders.
“Of course, this will not by any means be a cheap game. It requires us as players to continue working hard like we have been doing in the recent matches,” said Chitiyo.
“If we do that I think we might be able to get a result.
“This is a difficult game but this situation, I think, is not new to us. Most of the guys in the team have been through this before.
“We just need to believe in ourselves and make sure that we lift the gear in the remaining matches.”
DeMbare’s confidence has been boosted by the 5-1 thumping of lowly Whawha in their last league encounter which was followed by the 7-6 penalty shoot-out win over in-form FC Platinum last weekend in the Chibuku Super Cup quarter-finals.
Chicken Inn have been performing consistently.
They showed DeMbare their destructive side when they handed the Harare giants a 0-3 hiding at their Rufaro fortress in the first leg.
Dynamos coach Tonderai Ndiraya said they were keeping their eyes on the championship race despite the challenges they have faced this season.
He said it was important to win at Chicken Inn to keep their chances bright.
“We are going there with one objective, which is to collect maximum points. So, we are very positive about it.
“We have been doing our preparations well and the way these guys have been playing, especially the match against FC Platinum last Sunday showed that they are eager to fight on.
“Hopefully, we will give a very good account of ourselves. We have to push ourselves very hard so that we get a win. We always play to win and this game is no exception.
“We want to collect maximum points so that we enhance our chances of retaining our league title.
“But having said that, this is not going to be an easy match. Chicken Inn are no pushovers. Remember last time they beat us when we played them at Rufaro.
“We also want to win in their backyard. They won here and what can stop us winning that side? We will remain focused so that we move forward and get a step closer to where we want to be,” said Ndiraya.
Dynamos will welcome their Zimbabwe youth international Blessing Moyo who is expected to give shape in the back four after returning from the Africa Games.
Moyo has been a notable absentee in the DeMbare line-up and their defence has been rocked by injuries and suspensions leading to many changes.
Skipper Augustine Mbara, Kudzanai Nyakasaka and goalkeeper Artwell Mukandi are still out nursing injuries.
Online Reporter