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DeMbare are preparing to host Black Rhinos in a Castle Lager Premiership match at Rufaro tomorrow in their bid to recover lost ground following a slow start in defence of their title.
The match kicks off at 2:00pm and the cheapest ticket is US$5.
City rivals CAPS United and Monomotapa will get the weekend programme underway with an early kick-off at Rufaro this afternoon in a match to be broadcast on SuperSport9.
The Green Machine will be without seasoned players Rahman Kutsanzira and George Magariro, who are injured, Tapiwa Khumbuyani is suspended and Hardlife Zvirekwi, who is expected to wed today.
CAPS United assistant coach Brenna Msiska yesterday said morale was at its peak in the camp, following the 2-1 win over FC Platinum, which he believes was a big morale booster.
Although CAPS United have enjoyed better returns compared to Monomotapa this season, Msiska said the Green Machine have a mission to keep winning.
“I think this is a 50-50 affair and we will need to be at our best.
“Without taking anything away from Monomotapa, they are really playing well and I would like to urge our supporters to come in large numbers,” said Msiska.
DeMbare, who appeared in high spirits following a recent good run of form, intensified their preparations yesterday by holding their training session at the match venue.
But it was not going to be a happy weekend for Chigova, who is being accused by a woman identified as Samantha, of neglecting their baby, Nichole.
Samantha said Chigova left home in January, leaving her with the child, and is now staying with another woman known as Nokhuthula Mangena.
The 23-year old goal-minder has been on top of his game this season, with six clean sheets from the matches that he has featured for the Glamour Boys.
Besides the disturbing incident, Dynamos coach Callisto Pasuwa yesterday said the Harare giants were looking forward to a good outing as they aim for maximum points to keep pace with the leading duo of Highlanders and Harare City.
Pasuwa was at Gwanzura last week where he watched Rhinos in action against Triangle and is convinced that the army side, which has been struggling for results in the first term, should not be taken lightly.
Rhinos have some exciting prospects like Marshal Mudehwe, Lot Chiwunga, Martin Mine, Brian Muzondiwa and free-kick specialist Wilson Chakanyuka.
Chauya Chipembere will welcome back veteran forward Lazarus Muhoni, who missed their last two Premiership matches against Shabanie Mine and Triangle due to injury.
But one of their new recruits, Bruce Homora, will not be available for selection as he has been suspended for accumulating three yellow cards.
DeMbare, who remain the only team yet to taste defeat at this stage of the season, are currently third on the log standings with 19 points while Rhinos are a distant 14th with 12 points.
“Rhinos are a good side with some exciting youngsters who have got mobility and pace. I think they are not a team to underrate.
“Like in our previous games, we played Triangle and we drew, we played Mambas and drew again, so these are some of the games that we need to pull our socks so that we get those three points coming our way,” said Pasuwa.
But there were more concerns this week over the health bill in the Glamour Boys camp.
The DeMbare dressing room has been plagued by injuries in the last week and much to the relief of the technical bench, there have been some slight improvements as they welcomed back key defender Partson Jaure and Patrick Khumbula in the fold.
DeMbare were forced to play with a makeshift defence against Motor Action last week as both centre-backs Jaure and Gift Bello were out after picking up injuries in the previous mid-week game against Harare City.
Pasuwa said the return of Jaure was a good development, although he was still worried by Bello’s ankle injury.
The diminutive defender did not train this week as his ankle is still swollen.
With Byron Madzokere still on the sidelines with a back problem, it looks like Dynamos will be forced again to deploy half-fit Augustine Mbara, although the left-back has not fully recovered from a muscle strain.
Striker Francesco Zekumbawira, who is nursing a thigh injury, and midfielder Cliff Sekete have also been ruled out.
“The preparations have been going on very well except for Zekumbawira, Byron Madzokere, Cliff Sekete and the other guys who don’t have clearances and are not training.
“Partson Jaure and Gift Bello were both injured in that game against Harare City and it’s only Jaure who is back.
“We also have Boban Zirintusa, who went to the Uganda national team and will be back probably in three weeks’ time.
“Besides, the other guys are available and fit to play.
“We also welcome Devon Chafa and Ocean Mushure from the national team,” said Pasuwa.
Under-fire coaches Gishon Ntini of Triangle and Buffaloes’ Saul Chaminuka meet at Gibbo this afternoon after getting an ultimatum this week to turn around the fortunes of their sides.
Log leaders Highlanders will travel to Hwange tomorrow and their credentials will be under the spotlight against Nation Dube’s unpredictable outfit.
Fixtures
Today
FC Platinum v Harare City (Mandava), Chicken Inn v Black Mambas (Luveve), Triangle v Buffaloes (Gibbo), Tripple B v Motor Action (Dulibadzimu), Monomotapa v CAPS United *SS9 (Rufaro) 1400hrs
Tomorrow
Dynamos v Black Rhinos * SS9 (Rufaro) 1400hrs, Hwange v Highlanders (Colliery), Shabanie Mine v How Mine (Maglas).
Online Reporter