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Eddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
DYNAMOS midfielder Devon Chafa says Caps United are their number one enemy and it’s crucial that they are beaten, in any contest, including tomorrow’s Harare Derby at the National Sports Stadium. Chafa told the media that DeMbare, despite their inconsistency this season, have the character to continue with their dominance over their neighbours.
“Games of this magnitude are tricky because we now know each other well. What is key, however, is that we have to fight hard as a team and, hopefully, we will win.
“That is the aim every time when we get onto the pitch. But this is a derby, anything can happen on the day and we will have to accept it,” said Chafa.
Dynamos and Caps United are currently tied on 26 points on the log standings as they trail leaders Highlanders by one point.
The Harare giants though should not expect an easy game judging by Makepekepe’s recent form which has seen them winning all their last four games on the trot. They are also unbeaten at the National Sports Stadium in all five games they have played at the giant stadium this season.
DeMbare, however, will be looking for inspiration from players such as Ronald Chitiyo, veteran Murape Murape, Ocean Mushure, Stephen Alimenda and Rodreck Mutuma, who returned to the fold last week after missing the first half of the season.
Mutuma announced his return with a goal in the 2-1 win over Black Rhinos at the same venue.
The coaches, Philemon Mutyakureva and Tichaona Diya, who are likely to take charge again in the absence of Callisto Pasuwa, might also be tempted to consider giving a starting place to former Caps United roving wingback Oscar Machapa, who has not seen much action this season.
Machapa scored the solitary goal that destroyed his former paymasters in the second leg of the Harare Derby last year when he worked magic on the right before unleashing a ferocious shot that beat goalkeeper Tafadzwa Dube from a distance.
“Our number one enemy in football is Caps United. So no matter how many times we play them we just have to beat them, even if it means playing them each and every day.
“The fighting spirit and attitude of everyone has made us successful at Dynamos because every team that we play wants to beat us. So we have to fight more, fight for every ball.
“Derbies are not decided by form. They are winning and we are winning as well. We all want to maintain that streak. It’s what happens on the day that matters,” said Chafa.
Caps United left-back Ronald Pfumbidzai and Tendai Samanja, who missed the trip to Chicken Inn last week, have been certified fit.
The Green Machine have been doing well of late, with striker Dominic Chungwa scoring crucial goals for the Harare giants.
Assistant coach Mike Madzivanyika will be hoping for another good outing after leading the side to an away 2-1 win at Chicken Inn.
Head coach Taurai Mangwiro is away attending the Caf A Licence Course together with Dynamos’ Pasuwa.
Makepekepe have some battle-hardened warriors in skipper Tapiwa Kumbuyani, Hardlife Zvirekwi and Samanja while much will also be expected from Moses Muchenje, Leonard Fiyado, and Dominic Mukandi.
“We are happy with our progress as a team but we are not getting carried away by our recent resuscitation as Derbies are tricky.
“The fine run is as a result of sheer hard work from the technical team and the board whose turnaround strategy is beginning to bear fruit and our die-hard fans who have stood by the team in turbulent times,” said Joyce Kapota, the Caps United public relations manager.
Supporters will have to fork out US$3 for the rest of ground tickets, US$5 for VIP and US$20 for VVIP.
Organisers said the gates will open early to avoid congestion.