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Sports Reporter
CHAMPIONS Dynamos will be forced to tamper with their delicate central defence as key player Themba Ndlovu is out of the big clash with FC Platinum at Mandava due to suspension.
DeMbare’s often unsung hero, Ndlovu, is one of the nine players who will miss the weekend action after accumulating three yellow cards each in previous assignments.
His absence will definitely be a big blow to the Glamour Boys who have regarded their central defence “work in progress” ever since the departure of Partson Jaure for South Africa during the mid-season.

DeMbare are looking to cement their position at the top of the table where they lead with three clear points but they face a tricky away assignment against Norman Mapeza’s men.

Dynamos pride themselves with the best defence in the league in recent years, which has helped them win titles, and so far they have conceded the least goals (12) after 22 matches.

But the Harare giants will be put to test with a new set of defence pairing tomorrow as their coach Callisto Pasuwa rarely tampers with his men in his key position.
DeMbare are likely to feel the pinch as Ndlovu has been a key pillar in the set-up this year after striking good understanding with Jaure and then with Augustine Mbara.

However, Ndlovu’s absence could be the chance that newboy Elisha Muroiwa has been waiting for to make his breakthrough.
Muroiwa, who was signed from Division One side Twalumba United, has made cameo appearances for the defending champions as Pasuwa showed preference for his trusted lieutenant Mbara, who is a natural leftback, ahead of him.

Dynamos are unbeaten in their last 11 league games, having last tasted defeat on June 15 in the 1-0 loss at Hwange.
But they come up against an FC Platinum side that is keen to make a statement following a recent good run of form under former Warriors coach Norman Mapeza.
The platinum miners are currently out of the picture in the league race, in sixth place and 11 points off the pace, but a win tomorrow might be crucial in boosting their morale in the homestretch.

Mapeza’s men are high on confidence following the back to back victories over giants CAPS United in cup competitions.
FC Platinum thrashed Makepekepe 6-0 in the ZNA Charities final two weeks ago and followed that up with a 1-0 win in the Chibuku Super Cup.

Bulawayo giants Highlanders have also been affected by the suspensions as they miss two key men — Dumisani Ndlovu and Simon Munawa — when they travel to Rufaro for a date against rejuvenated Harare City.

Bosso are currently second in the race, with 39 points, three behind Dynamos and a win means everything to them.
The Bulawayo giants look set to inspire fresh impetus in their campaign after putting their recent woes behind them when they walloped neighbours How Mine 3-1 in a Chibuku Super Cup quarter-final tie last Sunday.

Harare City, however, do not appear easy opponents as they are also fighting for every point to ease relegation worries.
Masimba Dinyero has done well since he took over the side to move from the drop zone into 10th place.

They are still not safe, though, with eight games remaining. City will miss midfielders Benson Maglasi through suspension and Talent Chawapiwa who is nursing an injury.

Suspended players
Dumisani Ndlovu (Highlanders ),  Andrew Chuma (Hwange), Simon Munawa (Highlanders), Themba Ndlovu (Dynamos ), Obadiah Tarumbwa (Bantu Rovers), Moses Majika (Bantu Rovers), Steven Matsangaise (Black Rhinos), Benson Maglasi (Harare City), Mike Nyamukasa (Buffaloes)

Fixtures
Saturday

Chicken Inn v Bantu Rovers (Hartsfield), FC Platinum v Dynamos (Mandava), Harare City v Highlanders (Rufaro), Chiredzi v Shabanie Mine (Chishamiso), ZPC Kariba v Black Rhinos (Gwanzura)
Sunday
CAPS United v How Mine (Rufaro), Buffaloes v Triangle United (Sakubva), Hwange v Chapungu (Colliery)