The Sunday News
Ngqwele Dube, Sports Correspondent
HIGHLANDERS’ technical manager Madinda Ndlovu has heaped praise on arch-rivals Dynamos for recruiting youngsters into their squad for this coming season.
Ndlovu an ardent believer in young talent has also already come up with a relatively young squad at Bosso that has been christened “ECD” by fans.
Speaking during the club’s weekly Press conference, Khathazile as Ndlovu is popularly known said Dynamos is doing a great job by giving a chance to youngsters.
“Dynamos is doing a fantastic job as well, they are building on youngsters who are full of energy and on Sunday both sides exhibited a good game,” he said.
DeMbare coach Lloyd Mutasa was forced to field a largely young side during the ZNA Charity Shield semi-final against Caps United a fortnight ago following industrial action by senior players but he decided to give some of the youngsters another chance when they progressed to the final against Highlanders.
The Dynamos upcoming brigade was led by 19-year-old Kudzanai Dhemere, who was also voted man-of-the-match after netting the winner for the Glamour Boys.
On his side’s performance, Ndlovu said it was unfortunate they conceded two goals through mistakes of their own but was impressed with the chivalry his boys showed when they adopted a positive attitude despite trailing 2-0.
“It was a really high profile game and both teams had their chances and through our own mistakes, which we noted, we conceded two goals but I am pleased that despite trailing by those goals my boys showed courage and fought so hard, exhibiting a great urge to win the match.
“They did not waver but instead upped the gear and it could have been a different result had we managed to net that last minute miss,” he said.
Ndlovu said football was the winner on the day as both sides played a good game taking turns to seize control of the match as control moved from one end to the other.
Khathazile said his charges were gaining confidence with each match as the league start beckons.
“The boys are gaining confidence game by game and they are certainly improving but we cannot run away from the fact that we are embarking on a certain project in which we want to go step by step and not a quick jump.
“I have noted improvement from certain players and one of them is Adrian Silla who has proved to be a goal getter, scoring in both (ZNA Charity Shield) games that we have played and I pray that continues in that stead throughout the season. Young players that we promoted from the junior sides are also doing well, responding very well to the philosophy that we want them to adopt although they still have more to grasp,” he said.
