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Murape Murape

Eddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
RODRECK Mutuma and Murape Murape are expected back in the fold this afternoon as defending champions Dynamos go on the hunt for maximum points against basement side Chiredzi United in a Castle Lager Premiership at Rufaro.DeMbare are looking to maximise on home advantage to reinforce their position on top of the log table and are high in confidence as they face a side that has been struggling for stability both on and off the pitch.

The Harare giants also have one eye on their massive showdown against Highlanders in the TM PicknPay Cup showdown at the National Sports Stadium on Saturday.

The Glamour Boys are coming from an impressive 2-0 win in the NetOne One Wallet Cup semi-final tie against How Mine at Mandava on Sunday.

Assistant coach Tichaona Diya yesterday said they were looking to maintain their pace and are set to welcome back Mutuma and Murape to increase their attacking options.

The duo missed the team’s last two assignments in a the wake of an ugly training ground bust-up but they have since mended relations and are now eager to do business after getting an amnesty from club.

“I can say we have most of our players back in the team and almost everyone is available for selection on the afternoon including Murape and Roddy (Mutuma),” said Diya.

“The spirits are very high but there is always a danger in looking down on the other team. We have been talking to the players about this and we don’t expect anyone to be complacent.

“Mind you Chiredzi are looking for ways to survive and at this moment every point matters. That makes them a very dangerous team. We need maximum concentration, up until the end of the game.

“We have been doing well of late and we don’t need to slacken. At this stage we actually need to improve with each game,” said  Diya.

The Glamour Boys have almost all their players back to full fitness except for long-term worry Masimba Mambare, who had knee surgery last week to repair damaged ligaments.

But the technical team led by Callisto Pasuwa was in good spirits this week following the return of players such as Sydney Linyama, Anesu Gondo and Devon Chafa, who all took part in last Sunday’s NetOne One Wallet semi-final win over How Mine.

Thomas Magorimbo is unavailable after amassing three yellow cards.

Chiredzi coach Gishon Ntini believes they also have something big to fight for as his side currently shoulder the 16-team table with a paltry 11 points in the bag.

Ntini is happy with the return of experienced players such as Tawanda Mpungu and David Sengu from suspension.

Goalkeeper Stephen Chimusoro, Ronald Sengu and striker Malvin Gaki are returning from injuries and the coach is worried his  players might find it difficult on the artificial turf at Rufaro.

“We have serious challenges in terms of players. I may be forced to use a number of youngsters for this match, some of whom have not kicked a ball in the Premiership yet.
“I have been psyching them up and I hope they will not succumb to stage fright. But, most importantly, we are coming to Rufaro to enjoy our game.  It’s not a secret Dynamos are looking for maximum points to fight for the championship but we need the points more to  survive relegation. So we expect a tough game on the afternoon, not only for Chiredzi but for both teams,” said Ntini.

Former DeMbare captain and coach Moses Chunga could not have wished for a tougher test in his new job at Buffaloes but the veteran football gaffer will have to conjure up something special as he hopes for a positive start against giants Highlanders at Hartsfield this afternoon.

The nomadic coach is cognisant of the task in his hands as he looks to help the Mutare side to a better finish this season despite their financial challenges.

Despite having good players such as Jacob Muzokomba, Prosper Matizanadzo, Tafadzwa Mombeshora Shepherd Nkata and former Younger Warriors striker Admire Dzumbunu, the army side has still struggled for consistent performances.

“I cannot say this is a test or anything like that because I am not new in this field. It’s not a new territory for me, so I am calm and collected. I am made for that,” said Chunga.

“It’s not easy but I know what to do, I also know what is expected of me. We need to be positive in our approach to things and then we will see how it goes at the end of the 90 minutes.

“Our major worry is our position on the log table. That’s what we have to work on improving, knowing that there are no easy games in the PSL. As a team we are going out there with a positive mind hoping to compete for the three points.”

Buffaloes have a clean bill of health and striker Lloyd Katongomara is making his way back from suspension.

However, Highlanders captain Innocent Mapuranga said Buffaloes should brace themselves for a big game.

Mapuranga told The Herald that besides hunting for maximum points to position themselves well in the championship race, Bosso are also looking for a morale-booster ahead of the TM Pick n Pay Challenge Cup against Dynamos slated for this Saturday.

“We have prepared for the match and as a team we are going to put on a fight so that we get maximum points.  Winning this game will give us confidence ahead of the match against Dynamos on Saturday. If we can win against Buffaloes then everything else is likely to fall into place,” said Mapuranga.

Bosso will miss their top striker Charles Sibanda who has been suspended for this match after accumulating three yellow cards.

Pasca Manhanga is also out serving the second match suspension for the red card he picked against Triangle two weeks ago.

Highlanders coach Kelvin Kaindu was also looking to assess about a half dozen injured players who include Honest Moyo, Rahman Kutsanzira, Kudzi Machazane, Dumisani Ndlovu and the captain, Mapuranga.

Their neighbours Chicken Inn’s coach Joey Antipas says his side will not allow the disappointing elimination from the NetOne One Wallet Cup dampen their spirits as they travel to Chapungu this afternoon.

The Gamecocks date Chapungu who are still unbeaten at their Ascot fortress this year.

“We need to work on our shortcomings. Chapungu are tricky customers especially at their home ground but we have been doing well of late in the league competition.  We just hope to take it up from where we left off,” said Antipas.

Chapungu v Chicken Inn, (Ascot), Dynamos v Chiredzi (Rufaro), Highlanders v Buffaloes (Hartsfield), Black Rhinos v Harare City (Rimuka)

Tomorrow

Shabanie Mine v Hwange (Maglas), Triangle United v FC Platinum (Gibbo), Bantu Rovers v CAPS United (Hartsfield Stadium)

Friday
How Mine V ZPC Kariba (Hartsfield)