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Eddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
DYNAMOS were yesterday keeping fingers crossed over the fitness of their captain Murape Murape who picked a knee injury ahead of the Harare Derby against CAPS United at the National Sports Stadium on Sunday.The diminutive midfielder played only 16 minutes in the 2-1 victory over Black Rhinos before he was taken out on a stretcher following a collision.

Team manager Richard Chihoro said they were hoping for good news from the medical personnel.

“It didn’t look like it was a serious injury, but at the same time it’s too early to say whether he will be available or not for the  Derby.  Of course, everyone wants to take part in that match and we are hoping to have all our players, including Murape, fit for not just the Derby but all our matches.

“He went for examination today (yesterday) and now we are waiting to get a report from the doctor to see the extent of the injury,” said Chihoro.

Murape has played a huge role in DeMbare’s dominance over the Green Machine over the years as his presence has been an inspiration in big  games.

“Of course, we didn’t play quite well to match our standards but the most important thing is that we managed to collect maximum points at home. It was important that we win that match.

“We needed to keep that winning mentality in us. It raises our morale and I am sure our confidence will also be high when we play our next assignment,” said Chihoro.
CAPS United assistant coach Mike Madzivanyika said he was impressed by his team’s form.

“It was a very good game and I think we played against a very good team.  We are all happy we managed to win again and it shows we are getting our act together after a slow start.

“Team effort has taken us this far. The boys are working very hard in training and hopefully they will continue with such a  commitment. Derbies are always tough and you cannot be sure what is going to happen next,” said Madzivanyika.

Meanwhile, Chiredzi FC coach Moses Chunga and a member of the executive George Dhliwayo are seeking audience with the Premier Soccer League challenging the court interdict which barred the coach from sitting on the bench when the side played Harare City at Chishamiso on Saturday.

Chiredzi lost the match 2-1 with caretaker coaches Tinashe Zishiri and Dzingai Murinye in charge.

“We have written to the PSL and Zifa about the court interdict which is in violation of football statutes. We believe all football matters are settled at PSL and Zifa,” said Dhliwayo.

“But these guys have sought to involve the courts of law in football matters and we would want to hear what PSL and Zifa would say about this. We are appealing for the resolution of this issue before we play our next game.

“On Saturday these guys went on to play with jerseys with a different logo from the one registered at PSL which implies there now could be two Chiredzi United teams.”