Augustine Hwata Sports Reporter
DYNAMOS midfielder Tawanda Muparati has revealed that he was always confident he would find the target in the high profile Harare derby against CAPS United and he did just that at Rufaro on Saturday. Muparati struck a fine volley in the 80th minute to break the deadlock as the match was seemingly heading for a stalemate.
A poor clearance by Douglas Walaza on the left allowed Muparati, who had a quiet game by his own standards, to fire the ball past big CAPS United goalkeeper Edmore Sibanda.
It was almost the same script in the two team’s first meeting last year when Muparati again took advantage of a lapse by the CAPS United defence to score at the National Sports Stadium.
“I am very happy to score in such a big game. I was just confident that I was going to do something positive in the match,” said Muparati.
Muparati drew his confidence after one of his friends gave him a call on the eve of the game.
“Before the game, I received a phone call from my friend and he told me that he had a dream in which I was scoring.
“So I was just confident that I would something,” said Muparati.
Muparati felt the match on Saturday was played in typical derby style as both teams sought an early goal.
“CAPS United appeared to have settled well at first but they reduced the pace as time went on,” said Muparati.
The Green Machine could have scored in the opening minutes with veteran forward Shingi Kawondera — once again outstanding — releasing a powerful shot on the run, which surprised George Chigova although the young Dynamos goalkeeper just managed to bock it back into play.
Striker Leonard Fiyado then sent his header crashing against the upright after being set up by Rahman Kutsanzira while Denver Mukamba’s also pulled a trigger at Sibanda.
The match was also almost a balanced affair and the fans who filled the venue to capacity made it a carnival atmosphere.
“It was just two minutes of weakness by CAPS United and we managed to capitalise. Both teams had tried hard but we punished them for that weakness,” said Muparati.
The win on Saturday saw Dynamos moving into fourth position on the log and they still have two outstanding ties. On Wednesday, DeMbare travel to Mandava to face FC Platinum before the two sides square off again at the weekend. Now that they are out of the Caf Confederation Cup, Muparati said Dembare should now focus on reclaiming the league championship.
The Harare giants are now six points behind leaders Highlanders who are on 33 points while CAPS United have dropped in further in the bottom half.
“This win has motivated the team and our goal now is to fight for the league championship,” said Muparati.