adminPaul Mundandi Zvishavane Correspondent
SHABANIE Mine players have been promised rich pickings if they beat Dynamos at Maglas Stadium tomorrow afternoon.
Two sponsors have come up with good incentives for a positive result.“We are going to give each player a winning bonus of $400 if they beat Dynamos. This is just a way of motivating our boys and beating the champions is not very easy,” said John Gudo who is based in Harare but comes from nearby Mberengwa.
Samson “Sam Dread” Gondwe another sponsor will also contribute towards the same amount per player.
“I am going to give my boys something but the good thing that I am happy about is not increasing the gate charges. Most Dynamos fans in Zvishavane rally behind us when we are playing and it makes no sense to charge them $5 to watch their two favourite teams.
“Dynamos are the champions and we want the fans to come and enjoy the match in numbers. In Zimbabwe we are the third best supported team and I believe we are a giant on our own,” said Gondwe who has been appointed to the board and is acting club chairman in the absence of Greg Mataka.
The gate charges in the match have been pegged at $3 for the rest of the ground with $10 for the VIP tribune.
Shabanie Mine coach John Phiri has promised the champions a good game and warned them that they visit Maglas at the wrong time.
“I am happy that Pasuwa (Callisto) is still with the club. I admire him for his achievements and I am following his footsteps. He is however visiting Maglas at the wrong time because I want to make it three out of three unbeaten games at home.
“His team is now ordinary just like Chapungu because I just know a few names in the team. A long time ago I used to know each and every player in the Dynamos line up just the way fans know Ronaldo and Messi,” Phiri said.
Phiri who managed to assemble a completely new team will rely on veteran Smart Muchabaiwa, Godknows Murirwa, Nelson Merson and captain Rodney Mware in defence. Zvikomborero Bizeki, Allan Tavarwisa, Louis Matawu and Ashley Mukwena will lead the attack in the absence of star player Talbott Mthombeni.
Roderick Mutuma, back from Bloemfontein Celtics in South Africa, is unlikely to feature for Dynamos, but reports last night said Fifa had cleared his return to local football.
In their last match with Phiri in charge way back in 2010, the two teams drew 1-1 at Maglas Stadium before Shabanie lost the return leg in Harare.
“I am urging fans to come and enjoy the match, because Dynamos fans rally behind us when we are at home and I hope the spirit will continue. I am looking forward to seeing the Shabanie Mine kit dominating after the final whistle so Dynamos fans must bring Shabanie replica jerseys as well,” said a confident Phiri.
Meanwhile, FC Platinum coach Lloyd Mutasa has warned Buffaloes coach Luke Masomere to stop unsettling his team with mind games.
“I am a coach and I am not going to be fooled by such statements. Buffaloes have been playing very well and posting good results so I am bracing for a tough encounter,” said Mutasa refusing to buy Masomere’s quit threats.
“I am urging fans to come and watch good football because it’s not everyday that we go there and play well. Those who are coming are going to witness good value for their money,” said Mutasa.
Buffaloes players reportedly did not train on Thursday as they were demanding their dues.
“I am prepared for FC Platinum. I am now the commander of football and I am ready for a tough encounter but they must remember that they will be playing against a good coach. Platinum is the best team in the country, they have everything including material, money and good players.
“They however have no history because they are still new in the league but one day they will get it right. I am happy with the return of Prosper Matizanadzo and Tafadzwa Mombeshora who were injured.
“I might however miss my lethal striker Takunda Jeffrey but I am going to give them a football lesson,” said Masomere.
Online Reporter