The Sunday News
DYNAMOS would be looking to continue with their fine season by bagging the NetOne bankrolled One Wallet Cup when they go up against Triangle in the final at the National Sports Stadium in Harare this afternoon.
At the top of the log with six matches to go, Dynamos look set to be crowned Zimbabwean league champions for the fourth season in a row. That certainly puts Callisto Pasuwa’s men firm favourites to emerge victorious over a team coached by another former Dynamos player, Biggie Zuze.
On their way to the eight-team competition final, Dynamos did not concede a goal, winning 1-0 over city rivals Caps United at the quarter-final stage at the National Sports Stadium then won 2-0 over How Mine at Mandava Stadium in the last four.
Biggie Zuze on the other hand must be praying hard that today’s encounter goes on to penalties as his penalty takers have shown precision from the spot kick to take their team to the final. In the last eight, Triangle defeated Harare City 7-6 on penalties at Mandava then recorded a 5-3 win again on penalties over Chicken Inn at the same venue to progress to the final.
Going into this afternoon’s final, Dynamos have a better record against Triangle as the Glamour Boys have won two of the four matches between the two teams with the other two ending in draws.
Last year, which was Triangle’s first season at the top, the two teams drew 0-0 in Harare with the reverse fixture at Gibbo Stadium ending in a 2-2 stalemate. This year, Dynamos won home and away over Triangle in the league, a 1-0 triumph in Harare followed up by a 2-1 victory in Triangle. Dynamos have been concerned over first choice goalkeeper Artwell Mukandi who picked up an injury when he landed badly on his side when the Glamour Boys took on Shabanie Mine last Sunday.
Richard Chihoro, the Dynamos team manager disclosed that goalkeeper Mukandi was making good recovery from the injury with chances high that he is going to play this afternoon as he started training with the rest of the team last Friday.
Chihoro said even if Mukandi was to be ruled out, they still have enough cover in the form of national Under-23 goalkeeper Tatenda Mukuruva and another youngster Divine Mhoya who was snapped from lower division side Zimplats.
On the game, Chihoro said they were confident of lifting the trophy as their preparations have gone extremely well.
“Our preparations went well. We can’t say we are definitely going to win because this is different from the league but we are looking to win,’’ said Chihoro.
Whoever is in goals for Dynamos is sure to get good defensive cover from Augustine Mbara, Thomas Magorimbo, Blessing Moyo and Themba Ndlovu. Stephen Alimenda, Murape Murape, Devon Chafa, Tafadzwa Rusike, Ronald Chitiyo, Tawanda Muparati are the key players for Dynamos in midfield. Roderick Mutuma, Simba Sithole, Anesu Gondo, Washington Pakamisa are the men Pasuwa is certain to give the job of finding the goals for Dynamos.
Biggie Zuze, the Triangle coach has a score to settle against the club which gave him fame during his playing days for denying him glory in the past. Two years ago, Dynamos denied Zuze a trophy when they defeated the team he was coaching then Monomotapa 2-0 in the final of the Mbada Diamonds Cup.
“We have prepared well for the match, as a coach I always wish to win a trophy, I hope this time we will do it. For most of my players it is the first time they are playing in a final but they will fight all the way,’’ Zuze said.
The Triangle coach revealed that some of the key players in his team are carrying injuries but he is still bringing them to Harare. The injured players include Courage Denias, Charles Makoto, Blessing Chimwamuchere and Brian Juwayeyi.
With a battle against relegation still to be fought by Triangle, clinching the One Wallet Cup will certainly bring some respite for the team from the Lowveld.
Ronald Mudimu, Charles Rukwani, Nelson Menson, Jimmy Tigere, Jimmy Dzingai, Cabby Kamhapa, Praise Tohna, Hardlife Mavundi, Tineyi Chitora, Nhamo Lameck, Graham Ncube and Felix Kuswatuka are some of the players Zuze is going to bank on to win the trophy for Triangle.
Winners of the competition which has a total sponsorship package of $500 000 stand to win $80 000 while the runners up will pocket $50 000.
