Mutiwekuziva dares DeMbare Kumbirayi Mutiwekuziva

Veronica Gwaze Sports Reporter

WHEN Herentals face Dynamos tomorrow at National Sports Stadium, they need one result, a victory and nothing less, Head Coach Kumbirayi Mutiwekuziva has said.

Approaching the game as underdogs, the gaffer notes that his charges have a point to prove.

Based on history, Herentals have never been an easy task for Dynamos although they have never made it on to the title race.

However, last season they collected four points in their two encounters against the Glamour Boys following a draw and win in their Premier Soccer League clashes.

And Mutiwekuziva feels that his charges have a reputation to protect hence the only result they are gunning for is a win.

“We want maximum points, what makes this game important and easy is that my boys get motivated when they face Dynamos because they are aware that this is a big team so they have a point to prove,” he said.

“Statistically, last season we beat them so we have something to fight for which gives us an urge and good reflection of the coming game.

“We are aware of the huge task that is at hand, we feel that the match is in fact underway and Saturday (tomorrow) will only be a culmination of events.

“Training is going on well, as a coach, I can see that the boys are physically and mentally braced.”

Dynamos will also be looking to take advantage of their multitudes of supporters.  However, despite being at home, Herentals will be outweighed in terms of supporters.

Mutiwekuziva said his boys will need to be in their best form and be mentally prepared if they are to collect maximum points.

He urged the team not to be intimidated by the Dynamos fans, who always create an intimidating atmosphere for smaller teams.

“We will be playing against ‘seven million’. So this is a big game which has a lot at stake. Dynamos are the biggest team in the league in terms of supporters so we need to be in our best possible form,” he said.

“Sometimes things turn nasty when they (Dynamos) play and we do not want that to affect us mentally.

“Coming from a defeat (against Chicken Inn), we need a positive mindset. So I told the boys that it is now water under the bridge, this week we are at home and we have to utilise that advantage.”

Having built a reputation of performing better against big teams, Mutiwekuziva said his charges actually get motivated to deliver under high pressure games.

Recently they defeated giants FC Platinum 1-0 courtesy of a 63rd minute Tino Benza goal, which had the opponents leave the stadium frustrated and dejected.

Mutiwekuziva notes that his charges have been performing well at National Sports Stadium and that they need to capitalise on that.

Currently the “School Boys” sit in position 10 on the log standings, with the same number of points, while Dynamos are perched on number four with 12 points.

“We need the points because our goal is to compete with the leading teams on the log standings. So it is a game that we are highly looking up to,” said Mutiwekuziva.

“Coming from that defeat to Chicken Inn, I was not really worried because we were good, although unfortunately we conceded. “Our transition was good and we also dominated ball possession. However, we need to just fine-tune in scoring and a bit in defense.

“We are just looking at small details in the various aspects of the game in general to ensure we are in shape but otherwise tomorrow is more about mind games and emotions.”  With Dembare showing an improved performance this season, the gaffer said they will not read much into their current form.

“We should not leave any room for complacency, these guys want to maintain a position in their title run and also want to please their fans,” he said.

“Our mission is also to join the title race. So, obviously from where they are coming from, they have a big reason to fight.”

Herentals have made it clear that their ultimate target is to join the title run.

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