The Sunday Mail
Langton Nyakwenda
Dynamos’ influential linkman Devon Chafa has been ruled out of today’s league clash against Triangle FC after failing a late fitness test.
The development has worsened the midfield crisis at the defending champions who are also without man of the moment Steven Alimenda and the creative Tafadzwa Rusike.
DeMbare, who are on 16 points, host the Sugar Sugar Boys at the National Sports Stadium this afternoon searching for a third straight win that will keep them within reach of the leading trio of Highlanders, Hwange and How Mine.
The cheapest ticket has been pegged at $2 as the hosts attempt to lure the crowds back to their matches.
In Bulawayo, unbeaten Bosso, who have three points more than Dynamos, host resurgent FC Platinum in a potential thriller at Barbourfields.
DeMbare go into today’s encounter on the back of two consecutive wins against FC Platinum and Chiredzi FC, which have seen them rising steadily on the log standings, but are grappling with injuries to key personnel.
Chafa, who was poised to return to the fold after a month on the sidelines, has failed to recover on time from the sheen injury suffered in a league clash against Shabanie Mine at Maglas in May and the gritty Alimenda is out through suspension. The gangly Sydney Linyama, who can also play as a holding midfielder, is still out for another four weeks and the creative hub of the team has also been depleted by the absence of Rusike, who joins long-term injury casualties Tawanda Muparati and Masimba Mambare.DeMbare coach Kalisto Pasuwa toyed around with different combinations during the week with the fit-gain Milton Makopa looking set to fight for the starting role with the likes of Thomas Magorimbo and former Triangle player Walter Mukanga.
Rising star Okocha Fireyi also auditioned in the holding role. Under-fire Triangle coach Biggie Zuze, who nearly joined DeMbare in the offseason, has been working on his club’s defensive frailties and has promised a tough outing for the hosts.
Fixtures
Highlanders v FC Platinum (Barbourfields, SS9), Dynamos v Triangle (National Sports Stadium), Shabanie Mine v Chicken Inn (Maglas)
