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Gift Muzadzi

Eddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
DYNAMOS goalkeepers’ coach Gift Muzadzi says the Glamour Boys aim to be more aggressive when they face Chapungu in the semi-final of the Chibuku Super Cup at Mandava tomorrow. Muzadzi told The Herald that De- Mbare were not looking at anything less than winning the Cup. “We have been progressing well from the first game up to know. But we have faced some stiff challenges along the way. There is something about the Premiership teams when they meet Dynamos.

“No matter how badly a team has been doing, when they meet Dynamos they all tend to raise their game and it makes every match that we play like a cup final. So I think this will be a tough game again and we need to be ruthless,” said Muzadzi. “We talked about this tournament with the boys from the start and we agreed that this is the biggest knockout competition in the country.

“We have to try by all means to be in the final and if we can win it then we know already we are going to play in the CAF competitions next year, no matter what happens in the league. “So this is a game that we are prepared for and definitely we have to win it. We are a big team and we should always be seen winning trophies.

“But we don’t want to take anything away from Chapungu. They are a good side, fellow professionals in the league but for us we are determined to win because it means a lot especially to our supporters. “We want to dedicate this game to our supporters. They have stood with us through this campaign and at the end of the year we must also give them something to smile about ahead of Christmas,” said Muzadzi.

Dynamos are the only team which has not conceded a goal during open play in this tournament. Goalkeeper Tatenda Mukuruva has been having a dream season. “Tatenda was the hero in that game we played against FC Platinum. “I think when we go to penalty shootouts the goalkeeper decides the game because if he can save two penalties I think it’s good enough for a team to win the game.

“So Tatenda did did just that which was good for the youngster. It helps him grow in confidence,” said Muzadzi. Chapungu coach John Nyikadzino is happy with his side assuming the underdog tag. “We know what kind of opponents we are going to face. Dynamos are a big team that has a history of winning silverware.

“They are the biggest team in Zimbabwe in terms of achievement but we will give it our best shot. “Last year we were knocked out in the first round and I am happy with where we are at the moment. We have shown some improvement and obviously we will also want to go all the way to the final.

“But unlike Dynamos, who everyone believe will win this match, we are not under any kind of pressure. They are the favourites and they would want nothing short of a win. If Chapungu lose there isn’t much of a problem with many people but if Dynamos lose the pressure that comes with that defeat is obvious,” said Nyikadzino.

Chapungu will miss the services of skipper Collin Kwaramba, who is serving suspension after he was expelled for a second bookable offence in the first round against Flame Lily. Nyikadzino’s options have been reduced with the un- availability of midfielder Marvelous Dikinya, who is out for the season after picking up an ankle injury that will sideline him for four months.

The airmen, however, have been enjoying good form and are unbeaten in their last four league matches. They are coming from a 4-1 drubbing of Buf- faloes. Chapungu are hoping that their strikeforce, which comprises four former DeMbare men in Tinei Chitora, Allan Tavarwisa, Patrick Khumbula and veteran Phillip Marufu will continue with their good form.