The Sunday Mail
Sports Reporter
BUOYANT Dynamos are planning to make life difficult for Manica Diamonds when the two sides clash in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at the National Sports Stadium this afternoon.
DeMbare are facing a stubborn Manica Diamonds side that has gone undefeated in the last seven weeks.
Johanisi Nhumwa’s men have 20 points, three behind Dynamos, and there has been no winner between the two in their previous league meetings.
The two sides met twice in 2019 when Manica Diamonds made their Premiership debut and both matches ended in stalemate. However, Dynamos coach Tonderai Ndiraya plans to make the National Sports Stadium hell for “The Gem Boys” this time around.
“They (Manica Diamonds) have done so well so far in the league. They are up there with the big boys, which is a sign that they are doing well,” Ndiraya said.
“But, we are also doing well. We haven’t lost (in the league) in a couple of weeks.
“We have won five of our last six league games and we are banking on that form. We are also banking on our fans, who I expect to come in large numbers, so Manica Diamonds should expect a tough Dynamos,’’ he said.
The Dynamos gaffer, however, acknowledged that it would not be an easy ride for his charges.
“Yes, it’s not going to be easy, but we are ready for them. It’s also not going to be easy for them. We lost in the Uhuru Cup final against Highlanders last weekend, but that was a different match altogether.”
DeMbare have a clean bill of health, save for left-back Tino Muringai, who has a knee sprain and has been ruled out of today’s encounter.
The Harare giants have made the league championship their main priority for the 2021-2022 season.
They last won the ultimate prize in domestic football in 2014 when they were still under the guidance of Kalisto Pasuwa.
