PREMIER Soccer League (PSL) leaders Dynamos get the chance for revenge on their arch rivals Caps United for their defeat in a premiership match last Easter when the two Harare giants clash in the Nestle Charity Shield dream final at Rufaro on Sunday.
Sunday’s match is a dress rehearsal for next week’s premiership clash between the two. Therein lies the greater significance of this match. It’s a massive psychological boost for the team that emerges on top.
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With all due respect to the Charity Shield, the importance of this match is embedded in the context of next week’s big clash, which Dynamos need to win for two crucial reasons: ending their Caps jinx and strengthening their title credentials.
A brace from Nyasha Mushekwi on Easter Monday condemned Dynamos to a 2-0 defeat in the first half of the season, stretching the Green Machine’s league domination over their rivals dating back to 2007.
Dynamos assistant coach Tonderai Ndiraya says his team is not looking into the past.
“Caps have dominated Dynamos for the past two seasons but its high time we put an end to it,” Ndiraya said. “These kinds of games don’t come often. We will prove on Sunday that we have what it takes to beat them.”
The new Dynamos technical department led by Chiweshe has brought a new lease of life to the well-supported Harare club. They are unbeaten in 14 outings in league and cup games.
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“We are not reading anything from our previous encounters against Caps United because this is a new Dynamos team,” Ndiraya said.
Caps’ pressure is different. Their season so far has been disastrous, and under-fire coach Lloyd Chitembwe’s shaky relationship with the club’s fans is getting worse with each passing week.
“Caps united have managed to beat Dynamos for the past two years and we have already beaten them in the premiership game this season,” said Chitembwe. “So I don’t think there is anything that will stop us from beating them again on Sunday. That record alone is enough motivation for my players to go into the match and finish them off (Dynamos) once and for all.”
Chitembwe said there were no major injuries in his team. For Dynamos, striker Benjamin Marere, defender William Mapfumo and defensive midfielder Tafadzwa Maingire will have to pass fitness tests.
BY HENRY MHARA
