DYNAMOS coach Kalisto Pasuwa says the absence of midfielder Walter Mukanga for the Caf Champions League clash against AS Vita will be a big blow. The player might also miss the second leg next weekend.
HENRY MHARA SPORTS REPORTER
The league champions host the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) side in the first round, first leg at the National Sports Stadium.
Mukanga sat out during the team’s training session yesterday after being rested for the weekend friendlies as Dynamos stepped up their preparations with a full day training session at Zimphos ground.
Pasuwa said: “He has a groin problem and is definitely out of the match against AS Vita. He has been doing well and it’s sad that he will not play on Saturday. His positioning near the opposition box is good and he is never shy to take shots from a distance. But I am particularly impressed with his energy. He is a box-to-box player, so those qualities will be missed.”
“He is the only player in the Champions League squad who has an injury, the rest are OK. We should be able to find a replacement for him,” he added.
Mukanga impressed on his debut for Dynamos against Botswana’s Mochudi Centre Chiefs in Gaborone in a Caf Champions League match that ended one-all a fortnight ago, allowing Dynamos to progress to the next stage of the competition on a 4-1 aggregate score.
With Mukanga out, Pasuwa said he will make some positional changes to the team that started in Gaborone.
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Tawanda Muparati who started wide on the left wing is likely to be moved inside into central midfield where he will partner gritty veteran Stephen Alimenda.
The other player set to benefit from Mukanga’s injury is winger Tafadzwa Rusike. If Muparati is drafted into central midfield as is hugely expected, Rusike, a natural left-sided winger, is almost guaranteed of a place in the left of the midfield. Pasuwa, who has not won a Caf match outside the country since taking over the coaching reins at Dynamos three years ago, said he had very little knowledge of his Saturday opposition, but he had been getting some information from former Warriors midfielder Chris Samakweri who is based in the DRC.
“I am in touch with Chris, but there is very little I know about them. He has told me that they are a very wealthy side at the same levels with TP Mazembe. He said it’s a quality side with a lot of internationals.
“We will have to be at our best and try to get a comfortable lead at home,” Pasuwa said.
AS Vita are expected in the country this afternoon according to their website, although they had not sent in their travelling itinerary to the Zimbabwe Football Association by yesterday afternoon.
The Kinshasa-based club qualified for the first round of the Caf Champions League after beating Nigeria giants Kano Pillars 4-3 on aggregate.
