Can Black Rhinos ambush champs?

DIYAEddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
ARMY side Black Rhinos have vowed to come out with guns blazing when they clash with defending champions Dynamos in a Premiership match at the National Sports Stadium tomorrow.
Chauya Chipembere are eager to turn around their campaign and assistant coach Ndega Matsika yesterday said they were determined to fight hard for maximum points following an indifferent start this year.

Rhinos have not beaten Dynamos since their return to the top-flight league last season and are expecting to turn the tables on their hosts after donating four points to the Glamour Boys on their way to glory in 2013.

Matsika said they were aware of what to expect at the giant stadium tomorrow as DeMbare have again pegged the cheapest ticket at US$2 to lure more supporters.

“There are three points to fight for here and I am sure our guys realise that as well especially after the loss in our last game.

“We know Dynamos are a big side and we respect them as defending champions.

“Just like us, they did not win their last game and obviously they will be coming out strongly to try and win this one. But we have done the best we can in preparation and hopefully we come up victorious.

“We are coming from another big game against Highlanders and it was unfortunate we lost concentration in that game.

“Usually we rarely lose a match when we have taken the lead first so we have learnt our lesson and now we are looking for total concentration for 90 minutes on Sunday,” said Matsika.

Rhinos have been boosted by the return of Warriors midfielder Wonder Kapinda and Douglas Mbewe who missed the team’s trip to Bulawayo last week because of suspension.
Their striker Lot Chiunga is also back in the fold after recovering from the ankle injury that ruled him out in their last three assignments.

Chiunga has been certified fit and will be competing for the starting place with Lincoln Samaraya, Brian Muzondiwa, Beavan Chikaka and veteran former Dynamos forward Philip Marufu.

The teams are poles apart on the log table with DeMbare lying third in the race behind Highlanders and newboys ZPC Kariba while Rhinos are third from the bottom.

Dynamos assistant coach Tichaona Diya said they will leave nothing to chance in their quest to end the first half of the season on a high.

Diya said winning against Black Rhinos will set the right tone for his team ahead of next week’s Harare derby against CAPS United.

DeMbare are likely to plunge into battle without their head coach Callisto Pasuwa who is currently attending a Caf A Licence coaching course at the Zifa Village.

The Glamour Boys were held to a goalless draw at Chicken Inn last week and have vowed to bounce back to winning ways as competition gets tough at the top of the table.

“This is a must-win game considering where we are now in this race. We have reached a stage where every point matters and, of late, we have been talking to the players about the importance of winning.

“It seems everyone is ready to battle. Of course we expect Rhinos to come out in full force but this is the time we have to show each other what we are made of.

“We know every team wants to beat Dynamos and it’s now left to us to lift the gear up and show the difference,” said Diya.

DeMbare are not likely to make major changes to the team that played in Bulawayo last week but Simba Sithole and Tichaona Mabvura will not be available for selection due to injury and sickness. The Harare giants will be hoping to get things right in the final third where they hope their strikers Patrick Khumbula, Anesu Gondo and Washington Pakamisa find their range.

Fixtures
Today: Chicken Inn v CAPS United (Luveve), Chiredzi v Harare City (Chishamiso), Chapungu v FC Platinum (Ascot)

Tomorrow: How Mine v Highlanders (Barbourfields), Shabanie Mine v Buffaloes (Maglas), Dynamos v Black Rhinos (NSS)

Monday: Bantu Rovers v Triangle United (Luveve).

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