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Bruce Chikuni-Sports Reporter
INDUSTRIOUS midfielder Tanaka Shandirwa has given Dynamos the kind of boost they needed as he has returned from a lengthy lay-off and is now set to feature in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League derby clash against CAPS United at Rufaro on Sunday.
The 24-year-old last featured for DeMbare in their 1-0 win over TelOne at Rufaro on April 21.
He hobbled off with an ankle injury.
Dynamos have since played four times without Shandirwa.
Incidentally in those matches, three of them have ended in draws.
They are still waiting on the verdict of the PSL’s disciplinary committee for their fourth game, an away assignment against Chegutu Pirates, which ended prematurely at Baobab.
Dynamos are banking on the league’s disciplinary committee ruling going in their favour, which would guarantee them maximum points.
Whatever the outcome, it means Dynamos would have failed to rack up maximum points on the field without Shandirwa.
His return is expected to breathe life into their engine room as Dynamos seek to maintain their dominance of CAPS United in the derby.
Dynamos were the triumphant side on all occasions in their three meetings with CAPS United last season.
But after struggling to seal victories, DeMbare coach Genesis Mangombe could not have asked for a better moment to have one of his most enterprising troops back.
There have been suggestions that Mangombe is a dead man walking with his future at the club largely, depending on the outcome of the derby clash.
Shandirwa shone for Dynamos in the derby clashes against Dynamos last year and the Glamour Boys faithful will be hoping for more of the same from the former Yadah Stars man.
It also appears that Shandirwa seems to reserve his best for matches against CAPS United as he also scored in back-matches when he faced Makepekepe while still at Yadah.
The midfielder said he was working hard to be part of the proceedings at Rufaro on Sunday.
“I’m excited to be back from this long setback which has given me sleepless nights.
“It’s a natural process, which I have no control over but I am happy that I’m finally feeling good for the first time in many weeks.
“I hope there will be nothing to stop me and I’m going to try the best I can to be available for selection this weekend,” said Shandirwa.
He indicated that he gets extra motivation from playing against the league’s traditional big teams.
“We are going to play our hearts out for the fans, and everyone associated with Dynamos.
“Our fans have been very supportive and we have to do our best to let them know that we value their support”
Yet three seasons ago, he could have joined CAPS United but a deal did not materialise. “CAPS United could have been my first team in the PSL but I was very unfortunate not to make the grade and I have made peace with fate.
“I’m very motivated to play against big teams because at Dynamos it means a lot to get the better of local giants,” he said.
Peter Tanyanyiwa
Online Reporter