adminEddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
DYNAMOS coach David Mandigora will not be taking any chances when his side begins the defence of their title against Buffaloes at the National Sports Stadium this afternoon.
Mandigora is under the spotlight after returning to lead the Glamour Boys technical team and inheriting a record of four straight titles by his predecessor Callisto Pasuwa.
The 1980 Soccer Star of the Year was the club’s vice-chairman when he watched the Glamour Boys lose 1-0 to the Mutare side early last year when Roy Mwenga stunned them with a 44th minute strike.
“We are looking forward to a good result, but it will not be an easy game considering that Buffaloes beat us at home last season here at the National Sports Stadium.
“So, we are looking forward to a very tough match, but we will do our best to get a good result,” said Mandigora.
The 57-year-old coach has assembled a new-look outfit following the departure of several key players.
But his first match has been affected by injuries to players such as Masimba Mambare, Cliff Sekete, Patrick Khumbula and new-boy Obey Mwerahari.
The trio of right-back Blessing Moyo, Carlos Rusere and youthful goalkeeper Tatenda Mukuruva, who are in camp with the national Under-23 side for the All Africa Games qualifier against Cameroon scheduled for Rufaro tomorrow, will also not be available for the champions.
However, DeMbare were trying frantically to get their new signings Godknows Murwira and Ghanaian Erick Opuku eligible for this match.
The duo was doubtful as their transfer papers had delayed.
DeMbare remain favourites at home, with players such as Ronald Chitiyo, Sydney Linyama, Augustine Mbara, Walter Mukanga and Ocean Mushure in the fold.
The Mutare side is expected in Harare this morning and will leave soon after the match.
The club’s stand-in coach Joseph Takaringofa said they were motivated for the game despite their challenges.
This will be his first assignment in charge of a Premiership side following years of experience with lower division sides.
“The first game of the season is always a bit more difficult and challenging because of the obvious reasons, coming from the off-season. But everyone here is psyched up.
“I would like to believe it’s good we are playing Dynamos in our first match. Such games are always self-motivating and you could tell this week that everyone is looking forward to this match.
“Yes, we have had our challenges and I am happy we are the underdogs. We are playing away against the champions and I believe we have less pressure,” said Takaringofa.
Buffaloes have retained some of the players who formed the core of their team in the previous seasons like veterans Philip Chandisaita, Shepherd Nkata and skipper Prosper Matizanadzo.
They also welcomed one of their players Joseph Jambo on loan from Division One side Tenax, but their bright prospects Liberty Chakoroma and striker Admire Dzumbunu will not be available as they are with the Young Warriors side to face Cameroon tomorrow.
Last year’s surprise league runners-up ZPC Kariba will also be involved today as they begin their campaign with a date against giants Highlanders at Gwanzura.
Their coach Saul Chaminuka is expected to join them after missing most of the team’s training this week with the Young Warriors.
Luke Masomere will lead his star-studded How Mine in battle against Chapungu at Luveve.
The former Warriors coach has roped most of the cream from last year after taking on board the likes of Devon Chafa, Charles Sibanda, Tapiwa Khumbuyani and former Highlanders goalkeeper Munyaradzi Diya.
But injuries have been stalking them of late, with new-boys Tawanda Muparati and Soccer Star of the Year First Runner-up Limited Chikafa not likely to take part in the opening match.
“I think this is going to be one tough game. I watched Chapungu play in one of their pre-season matches and I can tell you that they have a very strong team.
“We will need to be at our best to beat them,” said Masomere.
Fixtures:
Today: FC Platinum v Dongo (Mandava), Chicken Inn v Flame Lily (Luveve), Dynamos v Buffaloes (NSS), ZPC Kariba v Highlanders (Gwanzura)
Tomorrow: Triangle v Hwange (Gibbo), How Mine v Chapungu (Luveve), Whawha v CAPS United (Ascot).
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