Without Mapisa, Dynamos date Simba

DYNAMOS will take on Simba Bhora in the Castle Cup Challenge with a new pair of hands in goal after dependable Martin Mapisa ditched the side for MWOS.

Wilson Makoni and Prince Tafiremutsa are in line for consideration for a position so many have occupied and risen to legendary status. It is not an easy thing to do to fill in the boots of legends like Matthew Mwale, Japhet Mparutsa, Frank Mkanga, Gift Muzadzi, Peter Fanuel, Ernest Chirambadare, George Mandizvidza and Washington Arubi.

One great performance in a match of this stature could be an endorsement for the Number One jersey at Dynamos.

Mapisa, a fringe national team goalkeeper who has played lower-division football in Spain, is the biggest name signing at MWOS.

MWOS, runners-up in the Northern Region Division One Championship, earned the right to play in the Premiership after taking over the franchise of ZPC (Hwange) who were the victors in the Southern Region.

MWOS, leaders of the race for most of the year were eclipsed by Scottland at the finishing line.

Zifa has since sanctioned the deal and the Norton Boys will play Premiership football this year.

Mapisa spent a year in Spain and joined DeMbare at the beginning of 2024.

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. 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, with the match seemingly anybody’s game.

The Castle Challenge Cup is contested by the previous season’s Premier Soccer League winners and the Chibuku Super Cup champions.

Last year, the cup contest 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 massive backing from fans 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 may have an 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 along 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 a vastly charged side from last season following the departure of several players including Soccer Star of the Year Walter Musona, Tymon Machope, Mthokozisi 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