Vusumuzi Dube
Fungai Muderere
DYNAMOS will plunge into the Castle Cup Challenge Cup final without the services of their former dependable goalkeeper Martin Mapisa.
Mapisa has since joined the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) newboys MWOS FC.
The Norton-based MWOS will play in the PSL this season after clinching ZPC (Hwange) franchise.
MWOS, who last year lost the Northern Region Soccer League title to Scottland under controversial circumstances which saw the Mabvuku-based side getting promoted courtesy of a boardroom decision, successfully concluded the deal to purchase ZPC’s franchise after several weeks of negotiations.
The two sides’ deal was endorsed by the Zifa Southern Region executive.
The Warriors fringe player, Mapisa has joined the PSL newcomers MWOS after spending just a year at the Glamour Boys following his return from Spain.
MWOS announced his capture in a post on X, saying: “MWOS FC welcomes Martin Mapisa, our new goalie, from Dynamos FC who is ready to make his mark. We are excited to welcome Martin to the squad and look forward to seeing him between the posts.”
They added: “A new era in goal!”
Tomorrow, DeMbare, who are the Chibuku Super Cup holders, are set to march into the cauldron of Zimbabwe’s ceremonial home of football Rufaro Stadium for their Castle Challenge Cup tie against the league’s defending champions Simba Bhora.
The Castle Challenge Cup is contested by the previous season’s Premier Soccer League winner and the Chibuku Super Cup winner.
Last year, the silverware was won by 2023 league champions Ngezi Platinum Stars after getting the better of Dynamos at Mhondoro’s Baobab Stadium.
Claude Mapoka gave Ngezi Platinum Stars the lead five minutes before the break before second-half substitute Ellson Mweha sealed the win 20 minutes from the final whistle when his powerful grounder struck the back of the net.
DeMbare are likely to enjoy a massive backing when they play champions Simba Bhora in the Castle Challenge Cup at their traditional hunting ground Rufaro Stadium on Saturday, but their coach Lloyd “MaBlanyo” Chigowe thinks the Shamva side has the advantage.
The veteran gaffer thinks new Simba Bhora coach Joel Luphahla has some key inside information on DeMbare which could work in his team’s favour.
Luphahla was Chigowe’s assistant last season.
He was appointed Simba Bhora coach in January and took with him data analyst Ashley Ndebele, who also worked at Dynamos last year.
Former Dynamos players Donald Mudadi and Emmanuel Ziocha are also now at Go Buju Go.
Simba Bhora are now a largely changed side from last season following the departure of a number of players including Soccer Star of the Year Walter Musona, Tymon Machope, Mtokhozisi Msebe, Tichaona Chipunza, Vassili Kawe and Talbert Shumba.
Not only will it be a taste of what to expect from both teams ahead of the looming season but the Challenge Cup presents the contestants with an opportunity to pocket US$30 000.
Dynamos and Simba Bhora have had contrasting situations in their preparations for the new season.
While Go Buju Go camped in Polokwane, DeMbare struggled to keep their players motivated as outstanding salary issues resurfaced. – @FungaiMuderere
Bongani Ndlovu