IF LAST weekend’s fierce derby between Harare giants Dynamos and Caps United was anything to go by, Harare is set to explode again this afternoon.
MICHAEL MADYIRA OWN CORRESPONDENT
The two will cross swords in the NetOne One Wallet quarter-finals at the National Sports Stadium today where one giantwill have its slain head paraded all around Harare in the evening. A win for either side will set the victor in line for the first prestigious piece of silverware of the season.
After lethargic shows in recent years that took away the gleam of the derby, the Harare giants put up a splendid show in the 1-1 stalemate seven days ago.
The inferiority complex that had previously caused Caps United to be ruled off as non-starters was washed away as they gave a good fight.
After edging Dynamos 1-0 in the sem-ifinal of the ZNA Charity Shield, Taurai Mangwiro’s men believe it could be their afternoon. “We feel we have advantage over Dynamos this year after beating them in the ZNA Charity Shield as well as drawing against them last week,” Mangwiro said.
“We have a very good chance of winning. It will not be easy though.
We just have to be at our best. Winning is crucial for us since we would be playing them again next week. It will ease pressure ahead of that match.”
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Mangwiro will goes into battle without his team’s top marksman Dominic Chungwa who has a groin injury. But Malawian defender George Nyirenda could make his competitive debut. Their opponents could give their Congolese new acquisition Fabrice Mbimba a debut run.
They welcome back striker Anesu Gondo while Tafadzwa Rusike, Masimba Mambare and Clive Kawinga remain sidelined by injury.
After witnessing a resistant display by Caps last week, DeMbare team manager Richard Chihoro says he has respect for Caps. “Caps are a good side and cannot be underrated,” he said.
“What we saw in them last week is a call for us to up our gear. As Dynamos those are the kind of opponents we want and we are always ready for such games.
We cannot afford to lose a derby. It is for us to win and go on. Fans should not be surprised if the football on display is not entertaining because either side would want to grind a result. This is a cup game remember.”
