adminSikhumbuzo Moyo and Ricky Zililo Senior Sports Reporters
HIGHLANDERS supporters have been challenged to turn Barbourfields Stadium into a noisy and intimidating atmosphere for Dynamos when the two giants clash in an Easycall Cup semi-final encounter tomorrow.
Highlanders’ interim technical director Cosmas “Tsano” Zulu said Dynamos players should know and feel that they are playing away from Rufaro Stadium, and this could only be done if the home team’s fans sing and chant Bosso slogans throughout the game.
He said they were not bothered by the DeMbare executives’ threats not to fulfil the encounter as they could just be part of the Harare giants’ mind games.
Zulu said it has always angered him when Dynamos fans at the Mpilo End drown Bosso fans despite being fewer than the home team’s supporters.
“Those boys (DeMbare players) must know ukuthi kukoBulawayo lapha. This thing whereby DeMbare fans take over Barbourfields Stadium by singing to the extent that their players feel as if they’re at Rufaro must stop. Our supporters must defend Barbourfields Stadium and make Dynamos know that they’re playing away from home,” said Zulu.
He said it was such morale-boosting support they received from their fans at Mandava Stadium in the quarter-finals against FC Platinum that saw them shock the hosts with a goal right at the death.
“Even in Hwange,” he said, “the support was something else and I really beg our fans in Bulawayo to also do the same. This is our home and it must feel as such.”
Zulu said they were not going to apply any particular strategy saying the players must know what it means to beat Dynamos.
“In this game, you don’t talk strategies because it’s a rival game. It’s the players who have to play for pride and tell themselves that they can’t lose to Dynamos. The attacking and defending responsibilities on Sunday belong to every member of the team,” said Zulu, who also declared that they were out to win the Easycall Cup.
“We want to give our fans a Christmas present. They’ve not been smiling throughout the season and it’s high time they smiled.”
He said the absence of the attacking duo of Takesure Chinyama and Rodrick Mutuma was not their concern, “but all we want is to beat the hell out of whoever will be playing for Dynamos” as he wanted to be remembered for winning the Easycall Cup.
The veteran gaffer said he did not want to entertain the thought of penalty shootouts as that tended to distract players psychologically.
“If you play with penalties in mind, you’re likely to lose the whole purpose of the game because somehow you’ll be telling yourself that as long as you don’t lose in 90 minutes, there’s still a chance to win through penalties. On Sunday that game must end in 90 minutes and we want to ensure that when it ends, it’s victory for Highlanders,” said Zulu.
Meanwhile, Chicken Inn fancy their chances of making it into the final of the competition at the expense of Caps United.
The Gamecocks take on the former Cup Kings in the other semi-final at Barbourfields this afternoon. Joey Antipas, Chicken Inn’s coach, said his players are fired-up for the game.
“It’ll be nice to end the season with a double. The boys are also keen on writing their own piece of history by adding the top eight tournament cup to our league title,” said Antipas.
“Our chances of lifting the cup are bright because we’re more relaxed than any of our opponents and we’re going there to enjoy our game. If we clear the Caps United hurdle, which I’m confident we’re going to do, then our chances of lifting this cup will be brighter,” Antipas said.
The Gamecocks’ Soccer Stars of the Year quartet of captain Danny “Deco” Phiri, striker Edmore Chirambadare, goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze and midfielder Clemence Matawu will join camp this morning from the stars’ banquet held last night in Harare.
Antipas said his star players were not distracted by the awards ceremony.
“They’re professionals and they know what’s expected of them. Their contribution to the team has been priceless. They’ve worked hard to get these awards and they’re also prepared to help the team win this cup. They trained hard throughout the week and I’m confident that given a chance they’ll deliver.”
The championship winning PSL Coach of the Year is looking forward to a good game.
“I don’t think this will be a boring game. Everyone wants to win, but fans should come in numbers and watch some brilliant football. Caps United have been playing well of late and I’m sure they’re equally hungry for success. They seem to be a bogey side for Chicken Inn, but this is a new game and we’ll try our best to win the game,” said Antipas.
Chicken Inn defenders will have to keep a close eye on Caps United striker Dominic Chungwa, who finished the season as the league’s second joint top scorer with 12 goals; two behind Golden Boot winner Knox Mutizwa of Highlanders.
The Green Machine also have rejuvenated Joel “Josta” Ngodzo to drive their midfield as well as Dominic Mukandi, while Stephen Makatuka and inspirational captain Hardlife Zvirekwi will marshal the defence.
Fixtures
Today: Chicken Inn v Caps United (Barbourfields, 3PM SuperSport)
Tomorrow: Highlanders v Dynamos (Barbourfields, 3PM SuperSport)
Online Reporter