Up frontLeading the attack will be three Dynamos strikers, Cuthbert Malajila, Philip Marufu, Evans Gwekwerere and Caps United hotshot Nyasha Mushekwi. Mushekwi is the leading goal scorer in the premiership with 20 goals. The former basketballer scored Caps’ solitary goal on Sunday when his club beat the Warriors in the Oya! Challenge Cup at Rufaro.Gwekwerere has only played a single game at local giants Dynamos after unsuccessful stints in South Africa. His inclusion came at the expense of Gunners striker Norman Maroto — the country’s second highest scorer with 17 league goals. Gwekwerere, a darling with the fans, should use this opportunity to prove his critics wrong.Malajila has been brilliant all season, leading the Dembare attack with precision. He will spearhead the attack. He has scored 15 goals in the PSL.Marufu, the injury prone Dynamos forward, has not been regularly finding the net, but was the Warriors most outstanding player in a friendly against Lesotho in August.
Men in the middleMonomotapa captain Mthulisi Maphosa and Caps’ gritty Ashley Rambanapasi are the two hardmen of the team. Maphosa had an outstanding season in 2008, leading Monoz to a maiden premiership title. He has not been as visible this year, but is still good enough to be included.To utilise the possession won by the ball winners is teenage sensation Tafadzwa Rusike and tricky roving right-handed midfielder, Chris Semakweri.Ajax Cape Town bench-warmer Archieford Gutu is the only foreign based player in the squad. The young player has endured a long spell on the sidelines with the Cape Town based team. Rumour has it that he is heading to Mvela Golden League on loan.
At the backIn defence, Mhofu will be counting on the experience of captain Method Mwanjali, who can also play in midfield, and Dynamos’ hard-tackling George Magariro.
The last manIn goals, Chidzambwa will give the nod to Washington Arubi, the Bantu Rovers’ eccentric captain.
Henry Mhara
