Zimpapers Logo

Saul Chaminuka

Eddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
ZPC Kariba coach Saul Chaminuka returns on the bench this afternoon as he looks to inspire his side in a tough battle against Harare giants Dynamos in the semi-finals of the Independence Cup at Rufaro.Chaminuka, who is also the Zimbabwe Under-23 assistant coach, missed the weekend home draw against newboys Dongo Sawmill while on national team duty with the victorious Under-23 side that beat Cameroon 2-1 on aggregate to qualify for the All-Africa Games.

The former Buffaloes and Masvingo United coach is bracing to revive his rivalry with DeMbare having led the electricity men to some important wins over the Harare giants last season when he beat them back to back in the league and almost derailed their championship march.

His assistant Godfrey Tamirepi has been working with the team in his absence and is confident that the Premiership runners up will stage a brave fight in the quest for their maiden silverware.

“It’s a big game for both teams, if you look at the short history of the rivalry. This is also a step to the final of the Independence Cup and we need to make sure that we perform well.

“No doubt Dynamos are a big team but we beat them twice last year. So they know the importance of this game,” said Tamirepi.

ZPC Kariba still have axes to grind with the Glamour Boys who wrecked their prospects of winning the league title in their maiden season on the last day of the season. Chaminuka’s side have recruited former Dynamos players Thomas Magorimbo and Russel Madamombe.

Striker Tawanda Nyamandwe and George Magariro also played for Dynamos.

ZPC Kariba also have quality players in their fold who include talented midfielder Raphael Manuvire, Pride Tafirenyika, Tawanda Munyanduri and reigning Soccer Star of the Year Dennis Dauda who commands the back-line.

Obey Mwerahari and youthful goalkeeper Tonderai Mateyaunga have crossed the floor on the opposite direction. ZPC Kariba are hoping to come out in full force as they have no injury worries in their camp, unlike Dynamos who have indicated they might be forced to rest some of their key players this afternoon.

DeMbare coach David Mandigora yesterday said the Glamour Boys have been stalked by injuries and, as a precautionary measure, they are likely to leave out the quartet of defender Sydney Linyama, Stephen Alimenda, Walter Mukanga, and Ronald Chitiyo from the team.

The move is meant to avert a potential injury crisis that is threatening their camp. On Sunday DeMbare were forced to switch their captain Augustine Mbara from central defence to the left-back following injuries to Ocean Mushure and Qadr Amini. The pair will again not take part this afternoon as they are still to recover fully.

“We have been preparing well and the spirits are high in our camp but we are a bit worried with injuries to some of our players like Sydney Linyama, Stephen Alimenda, Walter Mukanga and Ronald Chitiyo. It’s a big blow to us but we will conduct some fitness tests to determine their availability,” said Mandigora.

“We want all our players to be available because this is a very important game, a game that celebrates the Independence of our country.
DeMbare also welcomed at yesterday’s training national Under-23 players Tatenda Mukuruva, Carlos Rusere and Blessing Moyo who scored the goal that ensured qualification for the All-Africa Games.