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Soccer League title into the last day of the season with tricky assignments in Harare tomorrow.
Log leaders Dynamos are looking forward to end their campaign on a high note when they host Kiglon at Rufaro while FC Platinum hope to rekindle their shattered dream against Shooting Stars at Gwanzura.
The contest for the Premiership title has been reduced to a two-horse race between Dynamos and FC Platinum who lead the log table level on 55 points going into the last round of matches.
Warriors’ goalkeeper Washington Arubi, who has been inspirational in an extra-ordinary season for the Glamour Boys, is confident of helping Dynamos to their second league title in the last four years despite an indifferent start this season.
It now appears DeMbare, who last won the championship in 2007, are in complete control of their destiny but Arubi yesterday chose to be cautious against opponents, who have since been relegated to Division One after landing on the bottom of the table early this month.
“We are close to the championship, yes, but I think we have a big challenge on our hands.
There is a tendency of underrating relegated teams especially at this crucial stage when the season is just about to finish.
“I think that mentality is dangerous because these teams have some good players who would want to prove that they still belong in the Premiership.
“These guys have no pressure and they can spoil everything if you are not careful,” said Arubi.
Dynamos have all their players ready for the game except defender George Magariro and Wonder Sithole who failed to recover from their injuries.
The DeMbare technical team this week indicated that they will be more aggressive, with so much expected from the attacking duo of Cuthbert Malajila and Roderick Mutuma who seem to have struck a good understanding up-front.
Coach Callisto Pasuwa may also be tempted to use his highly mobile midfielders – Denver Mukamba, Murape Murape, Tawanda Muparati and Archford Gutu – in a more offensive formation.
“The dream is close to coming true but it’s important that we don’t get too excited. We have to play to win and we have to be at our best.
“We have to win the championship for ourselves.
“There is no room for complacency and we will not be concerned by what is happening at Gwanzura.
“FC Platinum will be playing for their cause and we will be playing for ours,” said Arubi.
DeMbare are aware of the threat the Division-One bound side poses to their title aspirations.
Over the years meetings between Kiglon and Dynamos have been hard to call and twice they have spoiled Dynamos’ party when the Glamour Boys finished runners up to Gunners and Motor Action.
The Harare giants have bitten the dust in the last two league clashes, which ended in favour of the underdogs.
Last year Kiglon battled to a home draw in the first leg and then got maximum points in the return leg they won 1-0 at Rufaro.
The last time the teams met, Kiglon were 1-0 winners in the season opening encounter at Rufaro in March this year. But Kiglon have lost several players this year, including the scorer of that solitary goal William Manondo, who is now at FC Platinum.
Brenna Msiska will take charge in the absence of Maxwell Takaendesa Jongwe.
Jongwe is travelling with the Mighty Warriors to Egypt.
The Chitungwiza outfit look different with new faces like Philip Sithole, who crossed the floor from the Glamour Boys, Mudiwa Mususa, Bernard Bvumbwe, Last Chibwiro, Patrick Makuvaza, Moore
Moyo, Kennedy Mageja, Arnold Chivheya and centreback Casper Machona.
Former Dynamos midfielder Isaac Pitamuja is out on suspension but Msiska still has options in his vault with talented prospects like Nelson Mazivisa, Lawrence Mwashita, Brighton Pamhirwa and former Highway skipper Samuel Chitsamba.
Kiglon, however, have nothing much to play for since their fate has already been sealed.
But their opponents will be out in full force for a crucial win, which will secure them the championship.
DeMbare got the upper hand when they beat FC Platinum 1-0 at Mandava last Sunday to take pole position with a four-goal advantage over their opponents.
The Moneybags lost much ground with that setback but they still have a chance to land the championship if they win tomorrow while DeMbare falter.
If DeMbare win by one goal, Platinum will have to score five.
Midfielder Joel Ngodzo yesterday said Dynamos have the advantage but he said they would fight until the last minute as they hope to harvest goals against Shooting Stars.
“This is a game we need to win because in football anything can happen.
“As things stand, the race is not over yet, but we are not putting unnecessary pressure on ourselves.
“We want to play our normal game and then hope things go our way,” said Ngodzo.
FC Platinum coach Rahman Gumbo, who had been tasked to take the Moneybags to the Promised Land in their maiden season, should be feeling the heat now after missing the opportunity to wrap up the championship at home last week.
FC Platinum had an advantage over Dynamos in their last game and a victory at home could have seen them being crowned champions but they buckled under pressure and conceded an own goal by defender Daniel Veremu.
However, Ngodzo said they are hoping to come back stronger tomorrow and hope for divine intervention in the other game.
“We are not losing hope and there is no point putting ourselves under pressure to score many goals. We just have to play to win and in football anything can happen. God is for us all,” he said.
Coach Gumbo has his full squad at his disposal except Ntokozo Tshuma who is suspended for accruing three yellow cards.
Shooting Stars have two key players – James Chitereki and rightback Levison Banda – on suspension. Former Dynamos midfielder Eddie Mashiri and Tinashe Chipunza will also miss the game as they are still nursing injuries.
Coach Tonderai Marume said they will give FC Platinum a good run.
“This is one game that has a lot of public interest this weekend because it has a lot to do with the championship. We are very prepared for it.
“We wouldn’t want to be caught in a situation where we appear to have given away the title so easily, so we are going to give it our best.
“Whoever is going to win the title should win it on merit,” said Marume.
Fixtures
Today
Zimbabwe Saints v CAPS United (White City Stadium), Blue Ribbon v Chicken Inn (Gwanzura), Black Mambas v Motor Action (Morris Depot), Shabanie v Highlanders (Maglas), Gunners v Hwange (Lafarge), Monomotapa v Masvingo (Rufaro)
Tomorrow
Shooting Stars v FC Platinum (Gwanzura), Dynamos v Kiglon (Rufaro).
Online Reporter