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Taurai Mangwiro

Eddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
THE last time Dynamos and Harare City clashed in a league encounter it ended in an explosive eight-goal thriller, with the Harare giants walking away with the bragging rights on their way to winning the 2014 championship.

The 5-3 win for Dynamos was the springboard they needed to reinforce their charge for a fourth successive title in a tight two-horse race with newboys ZPC Kariba.

Crucially, DeMbare had collected another set of maximum points from Harare City when they won the reverse fixture 3-1 back in April of 2014.

But are Harare City prepared to donate more points to Dynamos this year?

The two teams meet at Rufaro today.

A lot has changed since their last encounter and this afternoon’s clash is not likely to be a repeat of any of their two league meetings last year.

DeMbare have a new coach David Mandigora who favours an ultra-defensive style of play while the Sunshine Boys are battling to get their act together following a slow start.

Mandigora has perfected the art of grinding results for the Glamour Boys.

“To us all games are equally tough. We feel the same pressure every time because all the teams tend to double their efforts whenever they are coming up against Dynamos,” said Mandigora.

“We are aware of what is ahead of us in this game against Harare City.

“They are a very good side and I’m sure the match will be very competitive, especially after they won during the midweek.

“But, as Dynamos, we are always on our feet, we are prepared for them.”

The Glamour Boys have almost all their players available for selection except for Patrick Khumbula and Cliff Sekete, who have been nursing injuries.

There were also concerns yesterday over the fitness of number two goalkeeper Tatenda Mukuruva and fellow Young Warriors teammate Blessing Moyo who also picked up knocks last week.

But the bulk of their key players like captain Augustine Mbara, utility man Godknows Murwira, Sydney Linyama, Simba Nhivi, Walter Mukanga and Stephen Alimenda are all looking to take their places.

They are also looking to get their fullbacks Ocean Mushure and Qadr Amini back in the team.

Harare City coach Taurai Mangwiro said they were not intimidated by their opponents’ profile.

“Not taking anything away from them, they have done very well so far and we give them the respect they deserve but we have no fear whatsoever.

“You know what it means to beat Dynamos, who are also the defending champions,” said Mangwiro.

The Sunshine Boys had a slow start to the season but have found their touch in recent weeks and sit in sixth position with eight points.

Dynamos are tied on 13 points with log leaders Triangle.

“We really wanted to win the game against FC Platinum so that we go into this match with a positive mind.

“But three points that were at stake against FC Platinum are the same as the three points in a game against Dynamos.

“Again, I have been telling our players that if we win this match against Dynamos it will go a long way in breathing life into our campaign.

“Remember we have log leaders Triangle soon after this match so it means we have to get positive results against the top teams in order to keep the pace in the league race,” said Mangwiro.

Harare City are likely to miss Francisco Zekumbawira through injury.

The big striker, who was rejected by Dynamos two seasons ago, played a starring role despite City losing in the last league meeting between the two sides.

But Mangwiro will have all his options with former DeMbare players such as Martin Vengesai, David Kutyauripo, Nicholas Alifandika and Themba Ndlovu.

The Sunshine Boys are also looking for inspiration from the likes of Talent Chawapihwa, Honey Chimutimunzeve, James Jam and the scorers during the midweek — Tino Kadewere and Benson Maglasi.

“We have made tremendous improvement since we lost the opening match to Tsholotsho.

“It’s encouraging we haven’t lost since then and the draws at How Mine and Whawha will prove to be crucial,” said Mangwiro.