HIGHLANDERS’ attacking midfielder Masimba Mambare has said revenge will be on their minds when they take on Dynamos in today’s first leg of the Bob 89 Super Cup at Barbourfields Stadium.
BY ALBERT MARUFU
Mambare said losing the championship to the same opponents by goal difference was painful and has to be atoned for with a victory in the first tournament of the season.
“It is still fresh in our supporters’ minds that we lost the championship to Dynamos by goal difference last season. To appease our fans, we have to win the first match against them,” he said.
Mambare, who also watched in agony as former Dynamos player Denver Mukamba pipped him to the Soccer Star of the Year crown, however admitted that beating Dynamos would not be easy.
“It is a very serious game. You know the rivalry. Dynamos are a good side and will always play to their full potential against Highlanders. However, we have to play our best game as we have to make up for losing the championship last season,” he said.
The team’s coach Kevin Kaindu said they have done their preparations, but stressed that most of his players had minor injuries sustained in the friendly match against Absa Premiership giants Mamelodi Sundowns last week.
“Almost three quarters of our players are complaining of injuries sustained in our game against Sundowns. This is largely due to lack of match fitness. As a result there is a possibility of fielding a new team,” he said.
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Kaindu said games against Dynamos were always close, but said he was hoping that luck would be on his team’s side this afternoon.
“Dynamos are a good side, but we always thrive on team spirit. Last year we drew the two games that we played against them which I think they were fair results. So much is at stake in today’s game and we have to win,” he said. “There is also a possibility that we might use new players Edward Kachali [striker] and midfielder Norman Mudhauli who are from Zambia,” he said.
In addition to the Zambians, Kaindu has at his disposal Mthulisi Maphosa, Peter Moyo and Eric Mudzingwa. Dynamos coach Callisto Pasuwa, who has been fretting over the bluntness of his strike force, will be hoping that they start getting the required goals.
With the team hosting Lesotho Correctional Services in the preliminary round of the CAF Champions League, Pasuwa would not have hoped for better opposition than Highlanders.
The addition of former CAPS United striker Clive Kawinga, Patrick Khumbula and Allan Tavarwisa might prove helpful to the lanky coach. However, Kawinga might not be playing today if the coach decides to stick to the side that will participate in the Champions League as he is not registered.
He also has Ugandan midfielder Boban Zirintusa, veteran Murape Murape and the combative Devon Chafa.
