WILL RUFARO HOST DERBY?

Bruce Chikuni

WILL Rufaro be ready for the Harare Derby in Week 7?

That’s one of the biggest questions in the domestic Premiership right now after the City of Harare gave an update of the renovations at the spiritual home of local football.

Mayor Jacob Mafume said their target was to have the showcase Harare Derby between CAPS United and Dynamos mark the reopening of Rufaro.

Images released by the City of Harare suggest, as of now, that they will need to up their game if the big match is going to be played at the iconic Mbare venue.

CAPS United will be the home team and believe they will earn substantial income, from gate receipts, if the game is played at Rufaro. The Green Machine have secured the future of their ‘keeper, Tonderai Mateyaunga, by convincing him to continue with the club despite interest from Simba Bhora.

His contract was set to expire next month.

“He will be with us until June, it was our wish to agree on a longer deal but the player asked to be given time to make a long-term decision. We are hopeful that there will not be any problems.”

Mateyaunga said things were now better at the club as they have been getting their dues on time. ‘‘We are one of the best assembled teams in the league, if not the best, and we have never been confident of winning the championship like this.

‘‘Everyone is aware of the task at hand because we can’t keep on giving excuses when the house is in good shape. The coaches are doing their best to highlight the significance of winning the championship and these are the people who have done it before and it’s very encouraging to hear it from them. A lot has changed as compared to what we endured, on and off the field last season, we have been joined by a lot of seasoned players, who have already started proving their worth.”