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Stephen Alimenda

Eddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
STEPHEN Alimenda says there is no room for error and challenged champions Dynamos to redouble their efforts tomorrow to maintain an advantage over CAPS United and ZPC Kariba in this riveting Castle Lager Premiership championship race.
The Glamour Boys are set to host Chapungu at Rufaro looking to consolidate their position at the top of the table while Makepekepe have a tricky away date at Triangle in what could be a defining weekend for the race.

However, depending on the results from the other match today featuring ZPC and FC Platinum, DeMbare’s two-point cushion could be slashed or overturned by end of day or they could end in a good position should ZPC Kariba falter at Mandava this afternoon. Alimenda told The Saturday Herald that competition was getting stiff but Dynamos’ fate at the moment is in their own hands.

The Glamour Boys are unbeaten in 14 games.
“Competition is tough this year but we need to make sure that we win and collect as many points,” said Alimenda.

“It’s very important that we maintain our position on the table. We also know that we have another game coming up soon after this one during the mid-week. So we don’t want to put ourselves under pressure by dropping points. But we are taking one game at a time, our focus now is fixed on Sunday’s game.”

DeMbare currently lead the championship race with 49 points. But they know they should not get too comfortable as ZPC Kariba are only two points off the pace while CAPS United are quietly stalking them in third place with 45 points.

The Harare giants will miss a number of players like Devon Chafa, Anesu Gondo and Masimba Mambare through injuries while goalkeeper Artwell Mukandi might bounce back into the fold after recovering from a hip injury.

“There are not going to be any easy games, especially in the remaining five fixtures. What is ahead of us in this campaign is very key.
“I think everyone knows we lost in Gweru and we cannot afford to lose again. It’s just unacceptable. Chapungu play a physical game. They also thrive on teamwork so we have to carry the right attitude and continue working hard as a team,” said Alimenda.

DeMbare are concerned by injuries in their camp but the airmen were not spared the trouble as well as they are set to miss two key men – Brighton Mugoni and Blessed Mbavarira.

Chapungu are looking to garner more points to ease their relegation worries.
Their coach, John Nyikadzino, said they were aware of what awaits them tomorrow at Rufaro and have prepared accordingly.

“It’s no secret they want the championship and they are at home but we also need to consolidate our place in the league.
“Our aim this year is to survive relegation and we are focusing on that. Every point counts. So this is going to be a difficult match for both teams,” said Nyikadzino.

But it’s more intriguing at the top.
If ZPC Kariba win at FC Platinum today, Dynamos will then have to go onto the field tomorrow under pressure to reclaim top position like what happened in the last round of fixtures.

CAPS United also need a win to keep alive their hopes this year. The Green Machine midfielder, Hardlife Zvirekwi, says the Green Machine need to show character in the last five games of the season as they expect a positive outing at Triangle tomorrow.

The Harare giants are looking to continue pressing on with their challenge for the championship in what has been a promising run for them this year.

Unbeaten in seven league games, Makepekepe kept their spirits high with a thumping 4-0 win over fading giants Highlanders in their last match.
Zvirekwi, however, said they have put that behind them and they were looking at the next hurdle in the Lowveld.

“This is a very important game. There are only five games remaining and since our position looks promising we would need to stay within touching distance of the leaders.

“So, this game is sort of self-motivating. But we expect a fierce battle in Triangle as we know our opponents are fighting for survival. They need the points just like us.

“Their players were promised increased bonuses and because of that we should expect a bruising encounter. But I think we are ready for them.
“This is the time for us to rise to the occasion and show our character, especially in these five remaining crucial games.

“We had a brilliant game against Highlanders in our last outing and, hopefully, we will be able to pick it up from there despite the short break,” said Zvirekwi.

Fixtures
Today
Bantu Rovers v Shabanie Mine (Hartsfield), Black Rhinos v Hwange (Rimuka), FC Platinum v ZPC Kariba (Mandava)
Tomorrow
Buffaloes v Harare City (Sakubva), Triangle United v CAPS United (Gibbo), Dynamos v Chapungu (Rufaro), Highlanders v Chicken Inn (Hartsfield)