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CITY FATHER . . . Harare City coach Masimba Dinyero can turn the Castle Lager Premiership race on its head this afternoon if he can guide his team to victory against his old team, Dynamos, at Rufaro

Eddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
A DYNAMOS legend could help their cause at Gwanzura, where they began their mission to dominate domestic football half-a-century ago, while another Glamour Boy will erect a hurdle at Rufaro today to derail Callisto Pasuwa’s quest for immortality.

Moses Chunga, regarded as the finest post-independence Glamour Boy, takes his Buffaloes into battle against ZPC Kariba at Gwanzura this afternoon on a big day in what has been a riveting race for the league championship.

Masimba Dinyero, who was part of the Glamour Boys who blazed a trail by reaching the final of the Champions League in 1998, takes his resurgent Harare City into a duel against his old club at Rufaro.

Saul Chaminuka, the ZPC Kariba coach, takes his wounded warriors back into a tricky battle hoping that the comforts provided by their adopted home could help heal the wounds inflicted in Mandava and put their championship challenge back on track.

Pasuwa is trying to become the first coach, in the history of Zimbabwe football, to guide the same team to four straight league titles and, given the pressure that he faces every day at the Glamour Boys, it would be quite a sensational achievement if he can manage to pull it off this season.

Dinyero has a new constituency, and employers to impress, and will certainly give it a fight and memories are still fresh of the way his men swept away Highlanders, in their last match at Rufaro, with an impressive attacking display in a Chibuku Cup semi-final.

Their five goals, in their last two matches, are a reminder of their attacking prowess and, sadly, speedy forward Martin Vengesai, has been ruled out of today’s match against his former paymasters with a back injury that could see him out for the rest of the season.

The Sunshine Boys host championship favourites DeMbare at Rufaro this afternoon seeking to halt a bad run of two successive losses. DeMbare on the other hand, will be aiming to consolidate their place at the top of the table after opening a three point gap at the summit.

Dinyero yesterday said he was disappointed Vengesai will not be part of the cast after injuring his back in their last match against Buffaloes.

“It’s sad that Martin won’t be around. He will be out for at least two to three weeks and it’s a huge setback for us because you all know he is a hard worker,” said Dinyero.

“In fact, he is our impact player who always changes things with his pace.”

Dinyero believes his charges will rely on his inside knowledge of the system at Dynamos and he has a number of former Glamour Boys, who include David Kutyauripo, Francesco Zekumbawira, Timire Mamvura, Nathan Ziwini and goalkeeper Maxwell Nyamupangedengu, in his squad.

“I think we are prepared for this game and I am sure this is a self-motivating game for our players. They love playing these big games but we must not pretend that it will be an easy tie,” said Dinyero.

“We know Dynamos, I came through the institution and we also have some players who played there. Callisto is my younger brother, we have helped one another a lot but this time we are coming up against each other and we should congratulate whoever wins.

“If you look at where they are right now on the log standings, they have a record to play for. They are doing quite well and I am aware this team is usually difficult to play at this stage of the campaign. We should be at our best.

“I am sure my guys will be up for the task. We missed a lot of chances in our last game in Mutare and, hopefully, this time around we will be clinical in our finishing.”

Dynamos captain, Murape Murape, yesterday said his side was determined to collect maximum points.

The Harare giants are currently sitting at the top with 50 points to their credit, three ahead of nearest rivals ZPC Kariba.

DeMbare are coming from a disappointing 1-1 home draw against Chapungu but they are unbeaten in 15 matches, half the league marathon, and have not lost a league match since June.

“I believe this game is a test of our mental strength, especially after that disappointing draw against Chapungu,” said Murape.

“We need to put that behind us as quickly as possible. But we know Harare City have many former Dynamos players in their team, including the coach, and obviously these guys will always have something to prove.

“But as much as we respect them, we are not going to lose sight of the ultimate goal, which is the league championship.

“We need the points and I think we will have to be more ruthless in front of goal.

“We need a positive mentality going into this match. Our attitude should be right. Personally, I wouldn’t want to say we failed like what some people would want to put on our minds.

“In fact, we were the only team among those at the top which managed to collect a point so we should look at it from a positive point of view because that point counts a lot in the race.”

Pasuwa should have most of his players available for selection although there were worries over Stephen Alimenda, who finished Sunday’s game in agony after landing awkwardly.

DeMbare will also rightly feel that they were robbed of playing time by referee Nomore Masundire, whose decision to play just three minutes of time added on, on an afternoon when the Chapungu ‘keeper chewed more than eight minutes being attended to by medics, was a shame.

Fixtures:

Today:

Harare City v Dynamos (Rufaro), Shabanie Mine v How Mine (Maglas) Chicken Inn v Triangle (Hartsfield) Chapungu v Bantu Rovers (Ascot), Chiredzi v Black Rhinos (Chishamiso), CAPS United v FC Platinum (National Sports Stadium), ZPC Kariba v Buffaloes (Gwanzura), Hwange v Highlanders (Colliery)