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Callisto Pasuwa

Eddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
WHILE playing all games in your hometown at this crucial stage of the season is a reason for joy to many, Dynamos coach Callisto Pasuwa is a concerned man.
The Harare giants host Chapungu at Rufaro this Sunday seeking to maintain their top spot in the league race.
DeMbare are also set to return to the venue about four days later to face Harare City during the midweek and their coach, who has been a long-time critic of the turf, is a bit apprehensive.

Pasuwa’s men are then expected to wrap up business for the season against Bantu Rovers at home, ZPC Kariba away either at Gwanzura or Rufaro, and How Mine at Rufaro.

The surface at Rufaro has been blamed by many coaches and professional footballers for causing injuries to players.
Pasuwa said he has about seven players who have been ruled out of Sunday’s game because of injuries and these include Masimba Mambare, Devon Chafa and Anesu Gondo.

“We are ready for the season but the issue of the ground again could be a challenge. The surface is hard and many of our players have suffered injuries there and generally cannot cope with the hard surface.

“For example Masimba Mambare, obviously, cannot play on that pitch. He is fit for selection now but he cannot play at Rufaro because of his condition.

“The doctors said ‘no’ and they stressed that we should not risk him.
“There are also others who have had recurrent ankle injuries, we have to leave them out as well. Then there are those guys who are fit to play on Sunday but they will definitely be out for Wednesday’s game.

“We cannot risk them.
“The good part is we registered 35 players. If you have noticed we are one team that has used all its junior players. It was due to the injuries that we faced. If any registered player has not featured this year there must be a reason. We have considered everyone who is fit to play,” said Pasuwa.

Goalkeeper Artwell Mukandi, who missed the team’s last two games after injuring himself in a game against Shabanie Mine at Rufaro last month, is back at training.

Mukandi resumed training on Tuesday and, according to Pasuwa, his chances of making it this Sunday are still 50-50.
Defender Sydney Linyama is also back in the fold after going AWOL for one week.

Pasuwa said he explained his position, hinting at domestic problems that he has been facing.
But the technical team was worried by his fitness, although he should be available for Sunday’s game.

DeMbare, however, are looking forward to a positive result despite the internal challenges they face as a team.
“They have their problems like anyone else but we have been talking to these guys that it’s for our own good if we keep focused and concentrate on our games.

“Remember when we had problems and engaged in strikes we lost almost all the matches soon afterwards.
“If you look at it now, it didn’t add up because it’s us who missed the chance for more money in winning bonuses. It’s better to know you are owed more when winning games and then pursue it after accomplishing the mission,” said Pasuwa.

DeMbare are riding on a background of 14 matches unbeaten but Pasuwa is not getting carried away.
The Harare giants are chasing a fourth straight league title under the former midfielder and currently they are in control of their destiny after taking a two-point cushion at the summit of the table.

DeMbare have 49 points while their opponents Chapungu are not safe from relegation with 32 points from 25 starts in the bottom half of the table.

The airmen are set to miss two key men Brighton Mugoni and Blessed Mbavarira through injuries.
“Chapungu are one of the teams that beat us this year and I have a lot of respect for them. It’s no longer about big teams or small teams.
“Any team that we play we have to prepare well in order for us to win. We need to be positive in our attitude. Bad attitude sometimes cost matches.

“We struggle, especially at home, and we need to change that attitude,” said Pasuwa.