CASTLE Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) returnées Chapungu take on defending league champions Dynamos at Ascot Stadium this afternoon with their coach declaring his charges’ preparedness to compete with the league leaders.
MUKUDZEI CHINGWERE
SPORTS CORRESPONDENT
The Gweru-based side had a fair start to the season losing once in four matches to Bantu Rovers away from home, but they had also managed to restrict Bulawayo giants Highlanders to a draw in their opening match of the season.
In the last six meetings, Chapungu lost to DeMbare and in those six matches the army side did not find the back of the net and tomorrow they will have to again do without their trusted forward Brighton Mugoni who is out injured.
Head coach John Nyikadzino is full of respect for his opponents and is not reading much into the history of their more fancied opponents.
“Dynamos are a very good team and they have been playing well this season. They have won the league title three times in a row which is a very big achievement by any standards and we respect that,” he said.
“But we are not afraid of them in any way despite their good form and proud history. We are prepared for them and we are going into the match aiming to collect maximum points.
“We will be playing at home and with the support of our fans I see them having a torrid time to beat us at Ascot.
“The defeat to Bantu Rovers was a wake-up call for the guys because they were getting carried away.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
“Brighton is injured and will not play, but we have enough arsenal that has the potential to give them (Dynamos) a torrid time. The history we have against them doesn’t matter because both teams have changed,” Nyikadzino added.
The last time DeMbare came to Gweru it was a time of coronation when 1-1 draw with the now defunct Hardbody ensured that they were crowned 2012 league champions.
This time around the Dynamos defence will have to contend with Calisto Maheya, likely to deputise in the absence of Mugoni.
In 2012, when Maheya was still at Hardbody, he scored the goal for the hosts and ensured that the champions’ defence had a busy afternoon.
Dynamos are on a high after finally winning at home against troubled Harare City on Sunday and will be looking to maintain their lead at the top of the standings.
New find Anesu Gondo will again be the man to watch after he outshone more illustrious players like Ronald Chitiyo and Devon Chafa against City.
