Ocean of Confidence Ocean Mushure
Ocean Mushure

Ocean Mushure

Eddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
DYNAMOS leftback Ocean Mushure is disappointed he will miss tomorrow’s game against Bantu Rovers at Rufaro, but has tipped the Glamour Boys to stretch their unbeaten run to 16 games and move a step closer to a fourth straight Castle Lager Premiership title.

The Harare giants have put themselves into a very good position to help Callisto Pasuwa become the first coach to win four straight league titles in the history of the domestic Premiership.

The Glamour Boys won four straight league titles between 1980 and 1983, but they were under the guidance of different coaches.

Highlanders also won four straight league titles between 1999 and 2002 but, just like Dynamos at the turn of the ’80s, they needed the input of different coaches to win those titles.

Now, for the first time, one coach stands on the threshold of leading the same team to four straight league titles and Pasuwa knows that he is on the verge of sealing his immortality if he can guide his men home.

It won’t be an easy task, with ZPC Kariba providing a huge challenge, but DeMbare have shown, in the past 15 games, in which they are yet to lose a game, that they are specialists when it comes to negotiating the home stretch.

Interestingly, when Dynamos were dominating the domestic football landscape at the turn of the ’80s, it needed a new team in the Premiership, Black Rhinos, built around a number of players with top-flight football experience, to end their dominance.

Thirty years later, ZPC Kariba, themselves a new team in the Premiership and built around a number of players with top-flight football experience, are trying to end their dominance.

Only three points separate DeMbare and ZPC Kariba, after 27 games, and with very little separating the two teams, in terms of their goal difference, the Glamour Boys know that they can barely afford any slip-up right now.

This week it had appeared Mushure’s recovery, from a lengthy injury, had boosted the Harare giants following a brilliant performance by the leftback in Wednesday’s 5-3 win over Harare City.

Mushure scored a superb goal, after timing his run to perfection and burying his chance with aplomb, and then crashed his effort against the crossbar, from a free-kick, with Washington Pakamisa burying the rebound.

He then sent in a beauty of a delivery, from a free-kick, to give Rodreck Mutuma his chance to end his barren run.

However, Mushure was cautioned late in the game when he upended Harare City striker Osborne Mukuradare inside the penalty area.

Since he was carrying two yellow cards, from previous matches against Buffaloes back in May and Triangle in June, Mushure will have to sit out tomorrow’s game.

DeMbare coach Callisto Pasuwa, who made several changes to the team that featured during mid-week, will have to tamper again with his line-up.

“I’m hurt. It’s disappointing that I will not take part in this game because of the suspension. Some of these yellow cards are from long back but there is nothing I can do about it.

“We have a good team, though, and I am sure that those who are going to represent us on Sunday (tomorrow) will be able to bring three points in the bag,” said Mushure.

“But it’s always tricky playing teams like Bantu Rovers. They don’t have much to play for since they face imminent relegation, but that should not make us underrate them. Obviously, they will be coming here to win so we have to treat them seriously.

“We have to keep fighting to the last match. If it were possible, we should not be seen to be making mistakes at this time of the season.”

Injuries are still a big concern in their camp with midfielder, Devon Chafa, and Stephen Alimenda still being monitored while Masimba Mambare’s season is as good as over as he has been advised against playing on the artificial turf at Rufaro.

The Harare giants boast of a 16-match unbeaten run which they hope to sustain going into the penultimate clash against close championship rivals ZPC Kariba.

While they appear to have their destiny in their own hands, the Glamour Boys will also not afford to ignore what will be happening at Rufaro this afternoon when ZPC Kariba engage Harare City.

Bantu Rovers coach Mandla Mpofu yesterday told The Herald that Dynamos will have to labour if they hope to collect maximum points against his side.

Bantu mathematically are still in but in reality no miracle can save them from relegation on 24 points from 27 starts as they join Chiredzi who are already demoted to the second tier league.

“To be practical, we cannot make it this season but, like I said before, we are a professional club. We are not going to do favours to any team.

“So, when we come to Harare we are coming to play for a win and if we are to lose that game then Dynamos should have to work hard for that. We want to practice fair play by giving competition in all the remaining games.

“We expect a tough outing, though. I guess Dynamos need the points like yesterday to advance their quest for the championship. It will be a big game for us. The stage obviously could be big for some of our players and that is up to us as coaches to make sure that everyone is up for it.

“There is no pressure on our side and we are encouraging the boys to keep them motivated. The good thing is we won our midweek fixture at Chapungu.

“It was a historic win in the sense that Chapungu had not lost a match at home this season so we were the first team to beat them at their backyard. The boys were excited and everyone is happy,” said Mpofu.

Bantu Rovers, however, have been dogged by injuries.

Veteran defender Hebert Dick was expected to take a fitness test together with Tafadzwa Kutinyu and striker Obadiah Tarumbwa.

Master Mlangeni is not available for selection as he is serving suspension for accumulating three yellow cards.

You Might Also Like

Comments

Take our Survey

We value your opinion! Take a moment to complete our survey