The Sunday Mail
• DeMbare seek to maintain dominance
• Bosso confident of breaking jinx
DYNAMOS vs HIGHLANDERS
Venue: Rufaro Stadium
Kick-off: 3pm
Gates open: 10am
Cheapest ticket: $3
DYNAMOS have not lost to Highlanders since July 30, 2006 and are favourites as the Battle of Zimbabwe explodes at Rufaro this afternoon.
On the other hand, Bosso are confident and have a coach who has walked the talk ahead of the big game.
“We want to win against the reigning champions as this is something that will make us proud,” said Bongani Mafu during the week.
The Bosso mentor also hinted at his team going blow for blow against DeMbare.
“I am looking for a player who is willing to give it all and my selection will be solely based on that. They (players) must carry the baton stick of being a Highlanders player and what I demand from everybody is to show that they are willing to break a leg for Highlanders.”
In veteran striker Obadiah Tarumbwa, who has so far scored thrice, Knox Mutizwa and the Young Warriors duo of Nqobizitha Masuku and central defender Teenage Hadebe, Bosso have players who can carry the day.
However, rising striker Thomas “Rihanna” Chideu misses out as he is serving a red card-induced two-match ban, while speed merchant Gabriel Nyoni is also out through injury.
From the Dynamos end, David “Yogi” Mandigora comes to battle fully aware that defeat could have disastrous consequences.
Yogi has already presided over DeMbare’s worst performance at home in a decade, a 0-3 thrashing at the hands of log leaders Chicken Inn at Rufaro on May 3.
He has lost to new boys Whawha, drew 0-0 at Rufaro against other newcomers Tsholotsho FC, while at some point his charges went for three matches without scoring a goal between Week Six and Week Eight.
DeMbare go into the match against the backdrop of three consecutive draws against Tsholotsho FC, Triangle and ZPC Kariba.
In two of those matches, against Triangle and ZPC Kariba, the champions needed last gasp equalisers.
As a result, Mandigora will miss the mid-season target of 30 points with two games to go.
The 58-year old coach says DeMbare are geared for battle.
“This match will not be easy for us, but we have prepared adequately for the game,” said the usually discreet Mandigora soon after DeMbare’s 3-1 win over Flame Lily in a practice match on Thursday.
“Every game is a new game, we are not looking at history. DeMbare have not lost to Bosso in a long time, but we will look at this particular game as a different assignment, a game that we have to play and come out of with a positive result as always,” he said.
Mandigora’s biggest let down has been the team’s strike force, particularly the off-season signings Kelvin Bulaji and Dominic Chungwa.
The former Caps United duo, whose acquisition was surprisingly initiated by the club’s executive, has disappointed.
They have failed to fill the void left by Roderick Mutuma, a big game player who was somehow let go at the beginning of the season.
Whereas Mutuma would guarantee DeMbare strong performances in big games, Chungwa and Bulaji have been found wanting.
Chungwa has found the target once — a scrambled effort against new boys Flame Lily on April 12 — while Bulaji is in the race to become the club’s flop of the season and is yet to score for the champions after 13 weeks of action.
“Their statistics are a bit worrying; they have both been given game time, but they are lacking consistency.
“We have been working with them, trying to improve their play in front of goal. It is a process, but they look promising, though,” said Mandigora.
With Simba Nhivi doubtful today, DeMbare look desperate upfront and Yogi could assign either Patrick Khumbula or Farai Mupasiri to lead their attack.
DeMbare’s move to re-engage veteran striker Takesure Chinyama and the latest acquisition of former Triangle gunman Richard Kawondera, both of whom will only be eligible after July 1, is a sign the champions are slowly losing faith in Chungwa and Bulaji.
