The Sunday Mail
Ishemunyoro Chingwere in Zvishavane
DYNAMOS have dropped the recalled pair of Murape Murape and Rodrick Mutuma from the squad that is set to face How Mine in a NetOne One Wallet Cup semi-final at Mandava this afternoon.
The attacking duo bounced back into reckoning last week, after being frozen out of the team for fighting each other at the expense of fighting for the team, and speculation was high that coach Kallisto Pasuwa would throw them straight back into the fray.
However, the three time championship winning coach appears to have noted that Murape and Mutuma’s fitness levels had dipped during their week long layoff.
Ahead of the tricky tie, new How Mine coach Luke “Vahombe” Masomere believes his side will be the biggest beneficiaries of the “close ties” he has with DeMbare.
Masomere, who has never made an effort to hide his love for the Glamour Boys, says he has generally performed well against DeMbare as a coach because the blue and white institution “likes me and regards me as one of them.”
“It is always easy for me against Dynamos because I am one of them and they are obliged to support me. I don’t see the trend changing this Sunday,” declared the self proclaimed doctor of football.
Masomere returned to Bulawayo – a city where he won the league title with Amazulu in 2003 – primarily to steer Chikurupati clear of the Premiership relegation puzzle.
However, he will start his reign in a cup tie he believes his team, which booted out Highlanders on penalties in the last round, is capable of winning.
“This team is not bad, what only needs to be worked on is the confidence that has deserted them, otherwise in terms of players we have probably one of the best squads in the league.
“If Dynamos bring their big brother mentality into the match and underestimate our pedigree they will be shocked because this is not a tournament like the Zifa Unity Cup where they play teams from the lower leagues.
“We are a top flight team just like them and I know they are quacking in their shoes at the prospect of facing us, but by that same token we also respect them,” said Masomere.
How Mine are yet to win top flight cup since gaining promotion in 2013, their closest shot being the Mbada Diamonds final loss to Highlanders last year.
A rejuvenated Wonder Sithole and goalkeeper Ephraim Mazarura should hold the key for How Mine as they face their former side. Striker Kudakwashe Musharu returned to his scoring ways last weekend after a goal drought and should be confident ahead of the semi-final clash.
Dynamos have already tasted glory this season with the Bob 90 Super Cup won at the expense of Bosso.
However, after being shot out of the Chibuku Super Cup by Black Rhinos, the league champions are eager to make amends.
Most importantly Dynamos last week trained under the eagle eye of their record breaking coach Kallisto Pasuwa, who had been missing in action as he was attending the second module of a CAF A coaching licence course.
His return has coincided with the return of “borrowed normalcy” in their changing room with players resolving to focus on core business while their financial grievances are being looked into.
Washington Pakamisa has a strong case for a starting XI berth after coming off the bench to score in the 2-1 win away to Triangle while the midfield trio of Ronald Chitiyo, Stephen Alimenda and Tafadzwa Rusike is available for selection.
