DeMbare out to defend Uhuru Cup

Sport
DYNAMOS are set to field a full-strength squad as they face FC Platinum in the Independence (Uhuru) Cup final at the National Sports Stadium tomorrow.

DYNAMOS are set to field a full-strength squad as they face Zvishavane-based side FC Platinum in a potentially explosive Independence (Uhuru) Cup final at the National Sports Stadium tomorrow.

Uhuru-Final- TAWANDA TAFIRENYIKA SPORTS CORRESPONDENT

They have another tricky Premier Soccer League (PSL) fixture against recently promoted Bantu Rovers on Easter Monday.

The Harare giants are the defending champions of the Uhuru Cup after lifting it last year when they edged bitter rivals Highlanders 1-0.

And the champions are not taking any chances in their bid to defend the independence trophy.

Zimbabwe marks 34 years of Independence tomorrow (Friday April 18). Dynamos had a sluggish start to the 2014 season after exiting the prestigious Caf Champions League following a defeat to AS Vita of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

A slow start in the domestic league campaign has not helped matters either with the Harare giants suffering a shock defeat to PSL new boys ZPC Kariba last Sunday having started off brightly with a 1-0 away victory over How Mine in the opening match of the season.

That lacklustre show in the league campaign has left them in an unfamiliar 10th position on the log table after the first two games.

It is against this background that the Dynamos hierarchy wants to appease their fans by successfully defending the Independence Cup.

Club secretary-general Webster Chikengezha said they were ready to defend the trophy. “We want to win the cup again. We will field our best team because we want to defend this cup.”

FC Platinum will be seeking redemption following a dismal start to the 2014 league campaign which has seen them registering one draw and a defeat in the two games played so far.

The sponsors of the Independence Cup have increased the prize monies by 50%, with the winners of this year’s edition expected to pocket $15 000.

The government, through the Sports and Recreation Commission, has made available $50 000 for the annual tournament, the same amount they put last year.

Dynamos received $10 000 after winning the tournament last year, the seventh time they have done so since the competition’s inauguration in 1983.

Highlanders, who finished as runners-up picked $8 000 for their efforts, but this time the second team are set to receive $10 000.

The winner of the third place match between Highlanders and Harare City will walk away $7 000 richer with the fourth team getting $5 000.

The remaining $13 000 of the total package will cover administration costs.