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Eddie Chikamhi Sports reporter
FORMER Warriors defender Arnold Chaka believes his Botswana side Mochudi Centre Chiefs are in good shape as they prepare to travel to Harare to get their Champions League campaign underway against Dynamos. Chiefs were involved in a top-of-the-table clash with Madinda Ndlovu’s Township Rollers which ended in a 0-0 stalemate over weekend.

The Botswana champions believe they are the better side in terms of match fitness as they are now in the second half of their season while DeMbare are coming from the off-season.

Chiefs are currently second on the log standings with 40 points, two behind the leaders Rollers, from 20 games and are hoping to build on their momentum.

Chaka, who is one of the key players in the side, said the team has been preparing with the trip to Harare in mind following the resumption of their league programme last month and will be looking forward to a positive result.

“We were involved in a derby at the weekend and that was a big match for us. It’s always tough playing Rollers and considering the fact that if we had won we could have gone top of the table, it was even tougher.

“I think it helped us in a big way because Dynamos are coming next so we just need to keep the momentum.
“The players are in high spirits and they are actually looking forward to this game. Dynamos are not entirely new to them because they always watch their matches on television,” said Chaka.

Chiefs are expected in Harare tomorrow although their itinerary was still to be confirmed by last night. DeMbare secretary general Webster Chikengezha said the Harare giants were ready to host the big match.

“I think we have done most of the ground work and we are now ready for this game. The supporters will pay US$3 for the rest of the ground, US$10 for the bays 15 to 18 and US$20 for the VVIP tribune.

“We are appealing to the supporters to come in their numbers and support the team. We remain confident that we will get a positive result,” said Chikengezha.

Dynamos are today set to welcome back their coach Callisto Pasuwa and eight players who returned from the CHAN tournament when they resume their preparations for the match.

The Harare giants have been preparing since early January when they re-grouped from the Christmas holidays and they wrapped up their preparations with three friendly matches inside one week.

DeMbare played warm-up games against Chapungu, Black Rhinos and How Mine and the players were given rest on Monday and yesterday.

But it will be back to business for Pasuwa and his charges this morning as they seek to blend the players who are returning from the CHAN tournament and those that had been training with the assistant coaches Tichaona Diya, Philemon Mutyakureva, team manager Richard Chihoro and vice-chairman David Mandigora.