It is five years since CAPS United last beat Dynamos in any competition.
BY MICHAEL MADYIRA
That has increased CAPS’ resentment of Dynamos to the extent that they are taking this afternoon’s ZNA Charity Shield semi-final like a World Cup final. The Green Machine do not mind that this shield is less-glamorous and are determined to parade Dynamos’ slain head around Harare from the National Sports Stadium this evening.
CAPS coach Taurai Mangwiro says it is a chance for them to break Dynamos’ dominance.
“Any game between Dynamos and CAPS United is of high magnitude,” said Mangwiro.
“The rivalry will always be there. Never mind that it would be a friendly match or whatever Cup. There will always be tensions and big egos between fans. For us, we want to put an end to Dynamos’ dominance tomorrow [today] and we can do it.”
Mangwiro believes a win would place them in good standing ahead of other battles against Dynamos, especially back-to-back league matches.
“A win will give us a psychological edge going into league matches with them in week 15 and 16.”
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United will be without key players in captain Tapiwa Khumbuyani and goalkeeper Tafadzwa Dube who are injured.
Striker Ishmael Thindwa is in his native country, Malawi for his university studies while Hardlife Zvirekwi and Ronald Pfumbidzai are with the Warriors in Tanzania.
While United have expressed staunch hatred for Dynamos, DeMbare team manager Richard Chihoro has scoffed at his opponent’s intentions.
“Men will always be men and boys will always be boys,” said Chihoro.
“We will always beat CAPS United. It is a derby and we expect the usual fireworks but we will win.”
Philemon Mutyakureva will be standing in for head coach Kalisto Pasuwa who is assisting Ian Gorowa in Tanzania.
“We have so much confidence in Philemon. This is a chance for him to get more experience of which I believe he already has much of it. You know an assistant coach is the one who does most of the work in a team. So Philemon is always working hard even when Pasuwa is around,” said Chihoro.
Dynamos are likely to field a much unfamiliar side with Partson Jaure, George Chigova and Stephen Alimenda away on national duty.
Mutyakureva has a defensive headache with Jaure unavailable, Sydney Linyama injured and Victor Kamhuka away attending a family bereavement. Defensive linkman Devon Chafa is out due to injury as well.
