Chitiyo’s wonder goal PARTY TIME . . . Ronald Chitiyo (right) leads his teammates in celebrating his winner at Rufaro yesterday

DYNAMOS GET THEIR REVENGE

PARTY TIME . . . Ronald Chitiyo (right) leads his teammates in celebrating his winner at Rufaro yesterday

PARTY TIME . . . Ronald Chitiyo (right) leads his teammates in celebrating his winner at Rufaro yesterday

Eddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
Dynamos ——- (1)1

CAPS United —–0

RONALD Chitiyo reminded Dynamos the enormity of the mistake they could have made by letting the diminutive midfielder go when he turned on the power to provide the spark that made all the difference in the Bob 91 Super Cup final against CAPS United at Rufaro yesterday.

Playing on loan after his return following the complications that arose from his impending move to South African First Division side Royal Eagles, Chitiyo scored a gem of a goal which gave the Glamour Boys their fourth Bob Super Cup title and left their faithful with enough reason to believe in their team again this season.

DeMbare were looking to recover from the wounds inflicted by their old rivals in the Sino-Zim Cement Cup when they lost a penalty shoot-out two weeks ago.

Chitiyo was not part of the team then as the spotlight fell on former teammate Roderick Mutuma, who had just crossed the Great Divide to join their old enemies, where he became an instant darling with the supporters.

Mutuma was the driving force in CAPS United’s win last week when Makepekepe beat Highlanders 2-1 at Barbourfields to book another date with Dynamos inside two weeks.

And just when many, especially among the Green half of the capital, had expected another Mutuma show, Chitiyo easily eclipsed everyone on the pitch as he drew the limelight to himself with a fine effort that curled its way past goalkeeper Victor Twaliki in the 32nd minute.

Because of his long lay-off, signs of rust were showing as the match wore on but the diminutive midfielder had demonstrated intent early on when his shot crashed against the crossbar with veteran goalkeeper Twaliki beaten in the 11th minute.

In the end, no one questioned when the organisers gave him the man of the match award.

Chitiyo said the win was a boost ahead of the new season.

“We lost to CAPS United the last time but this time we won. I had missed the (Dynamos) supporters and I am happy to meet them again. I need to improve from last year’s performances. I need to raise my game and score more goals.

“This win will lift us in a big way because it was going to be painful to lose the derby twice in succession. So with this result we now have somewhere to start from,” said Chitiyo.

DeMbare pocketed US$40 000 for defending the title while Makepekepe, who beat Highlanders 2-1 in an ill-tempered elimination match, took home a consolation prize of US$20 000. Highlanders will receive US$10 000.

Again, yesterday’s match was marred by sporadic incidents of missiles raining on the pitch despite a joint demonstration by a group of Dynamos and CAPS United supporters before kick-off denouncing violence.

The football authorities have a job to do to stop the culture before it gets out of hand as predominantly Dynamos fans yesterday demonstrated their resentment to the referees’ decisions by throwing water bottles.

CAPS United started off strongly yesterday but they could not make the most of the numerous chances that came their way early in the match with their skipper Hardlife Zvirekwi showing true leadership qualities.

Mutuma exuded much confidence upfront with some deft touches that excited the CAPS United supporters while Moses Muchenje had dominion of the mid- field.

But Chitiyo’s goal changed the complexion of the game. Chances became few and far between for the Green Machine. Their point man, Mutuma, was virtually taken prisoner by Sydney Linyama and expectedly frustration began creeping into his head.

Referee Nomore Musundire was forced to reach out to his pocket to caution the lanky “Mad Prince’’ in an incident when he unnecessarily retaliated on Linyama by pushing the DeMbare defender when the referee had blown to give Makepekepe a free-kick following a tussle between the two former teammates in the 37th minute.

Makepekepe were dealt a big blow when their midfield engine Muchenje limped off the pitch with a suspected knee injury after going down off the ball midway through the second half.

Dynamos, despite losing their midfield hard man Stephen Alimenda who was sent off in the 51st minute following a second bookable offence, still managed to maintain shape.

In fact, the Premiership champions could have added another goal to their tally on the 90th minute when Simba (Sithole) Nhivi got the better of defender Stephen Makatuka and the advancing goalkeeper but Makepekepe’s impressive centre back Justice Jangano made a swift intervention and scooped the ball from the line.

CAPS United coach Mark Harrison said his team could not raise their game yesterday and pledged to work hard on their shortcomings before the start of the season.

“We were poor, we did not compete hard enough, we did not win the first ball, we did not win the second ball and we did not pass the ball.

“I think we did not turn up today and those are big things we failed to do. We needed everybody and we cannot be operating below with three or four players like today.

“So we had too many players (off-form) and we did not do enough to win the game. But I have seen the other side of the team today, which was not the good side. We are not going to win every game and today I saw the opposite side of the team and now I have something to work on,” said Harrison.

Makapekepe failed to capitalise on their numerical advantage despite playing most of the second half against 10-men.

Alimenda however, said he was not happy with the red card following a crude tackle on Takudzwa Mahori.

The Dynamos midfield hardman was first cautioned seven minutes into the game for twice using his elbows in the early tussle with Makepekepe players.

“I think everyone saw what happened. Maybe it’s the emotions but I was not happy. The emotions were there, here and there, but these things are to be expected in such matches.

“If we don’t get such things then it’s not a derby. The environment is different from playing any other team which is not CAPS United. Obviously the tempo is high from the supporters to everyone because we are all fighting for one cause. Otherwise I respect the referee’s decision,” said Alimenda.

Teams:

Dynamos: A. Mukandi, G. Murwira, O. Mushure, S. Linyama, A. Mbara, S. Alimenda, W. Mukanga, R. Chitiyo, K. Bulaji (S. Nhivi, 65th minute), D. Chungwa (M. Makopa, 55th minute), Q. Amini

CAPS United: V. Twaliki, H. Zvirekwi, R. Pfumbidzai, S. Makatuka, J. Jangano, G. Mhangani (L. Fiyado, 65th minute), M. Muchenje (C. Machisi, 74th minute), D. Mukandi, T. Mahori, R. Mutuma, T. Moyo (L. Tsipa, 53rd minute)

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