Eddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
CHAPUNGU coach John Nyikadzino says his team is in the same predicament as struggling giants Dynamos and his charges will throw everything to get maximum points in a Castle Lager Premiership match at Ascot this afternoon. The Air Force of Zimbabwe side are winless in their last six outings and are eager to end the barren run. Nyikadzino yesterday said they have used the two-week break to work on their shortcomings and is hoping to see the results this afternoon.

“We don’t look at whatever has been happening at Dynamos. “Problems or no problems, they still remain Dynamos, the biggest team in the country. So we are not taking any chances,” said Nyikadzino.

“We are in the same predicament with Dynamos. “It’s only one point that separates us on the log standings and that means we all want to win this match, which makes it a bit difficult game.

“Our team has been playing good football of late, but the worrying thing has been that we haven’t been able to turn our dominance into results. “We are not punishing our opponents.

“Fortunately, we had this break and we used the time to work on our finishing. “Hopefully, we will be able to take our chances against Dynamos.” Ageless Chapungu forward Phillip Marufu is likely to miss the match against his former employers with a nagging foot injury.

Marufu and three other teammates — Maxwell Mavuto, Ngoni Murisa and Nhlanhla Ncube — have not recovered in time for the big game despite the two-week Premiership break.

Dynamos have no injuries in their camp.

A run of two wins, two draws and four losses in their opening eight matches is an unwanted record by their multitude of supporters.

Interim coach Lloyd Mutasa agrees they are in unfamiliar position on the log standings and are keen to get their act together.

“We have done our part in training and we just want to see it reflect on the pitch.

“We need the points. If you look at our position on the log standings we are down there and we would want to go up.

“The boys know we have to double our efforts and they have been working very hard at that.

“But if you look at Chapungu, they are a team that is always difficult to beat at their backyard,” said Mutasa.

The Harare giants travelled to Ascot without steely defender Elisha Muroiwa and goalkeeper Tatenda Muruva, who are with the national team in Namibia for the COSAFA tournament.

While Mutasa has options for the central defence as he is surrounded by the likes of Obey Mwerahari, Sydney Linyama and captain Augustine Mbara, this should be a welcome opportunity for the duo of goalkeepers Tonderai Mateyaunga and Ashley Reyners.

“We have been training without them for the past two weeks and we knew they were going to the COSAFA tournament.

“But there are other capable players in the squad whom we hope will also do well,” he said.

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