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Eddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
CHAMPIONS Dynamos are convinced they have done their best in preparing for the new season, but there are questions over the availability of their Ghanaian import Erick Opoku and utility player Godknows Murwira. The Glamour Boys coach David Mandigora might not be able to have the pair in their first match against Buffaloes tomorrow at the National Sports Stadium.

Ghanaian Opoku, who scored a beauty in the ZNA Commander’s Charity Shield, joined the Harare giants during the pre-season from Asante Kotoko while Murwira came from relegated Shabanie Mine.

Mandigora yesterday said they were still pushing for the players’ papers and were keeping fingers crossed as they also have a number of players out injured while three others are in camp with the national Under-23 side.

“We still have got a few challenges because we are still to get a clearance for Godknows and also for Eric Opoku whose papers are also not yet in place.

“Maybe, by tomorrow end of day, we should have a clearer picture. It’s not yet very clear but we hope everything will be sorted out,” said Mandigora.

Already DeMbare will not be able to use Blessing Moyo, Carlos Rusere and goalkeeper Tatenda Mukuruva who are with the national Under-23 team in camp for the All-Africa Games qualifier against Cameroon on Sunday.

The league champions are probably the only side feeling the pinch of the All-Africa Games qualifiers as their rivals CAPS United and FC Platinum have steadfastly held on to their players.

CAPS United only released Ronald Pfumbidzai for the game while Takudzwa Mahori and Kudzai Nyamupfukudza are back at the club while FC Platinum hanged on Wisdom Mutasa and Walter Musona.

Makepekepe travel to Whawha on Sunday while FC Platinum host new-boys Dongo Sawmill tomorrow at Mandava looking to bounce back from the humiliating 5-1 defeat they suffered to Tanzania’s Young Africans in the CAF Confederation Cup.

Besides the Young Warriors trio, Mandigora could be missing new-boy Obey Mwerahari, Cliff Sekete, Patrick Khumbula and Masimba Mambare.

“I think there is an improvement in terms of fitness. I can say our players are now fit but on injuries we have Obey Mwerahari and Patrick Khumbula, who had a knee injury during the match against CAPS United last weekend.

“We also have also Cliff Sekete who is nursing an injury.

“Then we are also missing three players who are with the Under-23 side. Of course, the absence of these players does affect our plans but at times there is nothing we can do, especially for those who are on national duty.

Fixtures Today

Harare City v Tsholotsho (Rufaro)

Tomorrow

FC Platinum v Dongo (Mandava), Chicken Inn v Flame Lily (Luveve), Dynamos v Buffaloes (NSS), ZPC Kariba v Highlanders (Gwanzura)

Sunday

Triangle v Hwange (Gibbo), How Mine v Chapungu (Luveve), Whawha v CAPS United (Ascot)