Bantu Rovers might be out of the Premier Soccer League title race, but any result in their collision with Dynamos at Rufaro this afternoon will still throw the campaign into an intriguing contest.
BY MICHAEL MADYIRA
A win for DeMbare will see them reopen a three-point lead while they will go one point clear in case of a draw. A loss condemns them to remain at second place on an inferior goal difference following ZPC Kariba’s win over Harare City yesterday.
DeMbare faces the same old test they have colourfully passed in the past three seasons.
Since 2011, coach Kalisto Pasuwa has never lost in the last five league games and went on to lift the league title, but Rovers have the potential to spoil the party.
But DeMbare have been known to be a mean machine when the title is in sight, brutally swatting aside any side that dares stand in their way.
They have already shown Bantu Rovers such merciless character when they beat the Bulawayo side 3-1 at Barbourfields in the reverse fixture in April.
Bantu Rovers had taken a first half lead but a six-minute goal of three strikes in the other stanza saw Dynamos wrap it up.
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Never mind that today they will be without suspended Ocean Mushure and unfit Masimba Mambare, while Devon Chafa is doubtful — Dynamos have always weathered the storm with depleted arsenal.
Pasuwa has been diplomatic as ever, trying to hide away his team’s callous nature.
“If we go into this match reading that we have not lost the last five matches in the past three seasons, we might deceive ourselves,” said Pasuwa.
“We are not looking at records or think that we have experienced players. Every game is a new match and teams have changed since the first half of the season. We just have to make sure we pick up maximum points in every game we play so that we make life easier for ourselves. So for now, it is better we play first and talk later.”
Bantu Rovers have received a boost ahead of this trip to Rufaro after veteran defender Hebert Dick, forward Obadiah Tarumbwa and midfielder Tafadzwa Kutinyu recovered from knocks sustained last Wednesday against Chapungu.
But Lawson Nkomo is not available after failing a late fitness test and Master Mlangeni is suspended.
True to Pasuwa’s cautious approach of these last games against struggling sides, Rovers coach Mandla Mpofu is threatening to spoil DeMbare’s day.
“Obviously we expect a hostile environment at Rufaro,” said Mpofu.
“We are in this industry to compete against the best and as hard as it can be, we will stand our ground. The boys are excited to face Dynamos, especially after making a season history at Chapungu on Wednesday. We also want to achieve such a feat against Dynamos and we will give them a good run.”
Elsewhere, Dynamos’ traditional rivals Highlanders face possible humiliation by relegated Chiredzi FC who visit them at Hartsfield tomorrow. Having posted losses in their last five games, a loss to or a draw with Chiredzi will sum up the season lowest ebb for the Bulawayo giants. They could be feeling cursed at Hartsfield where they have been embarrassed by ZPC Kariba and Chicken Inn.
Highlanders’ season has drastically turned into a sham campaign as a few weeks ago they were close to laying their hands on the league title, but are now battling to fit into the top four.
Interim coach Mark Mathe has conceded that they need an immediate change in fortunes.
“Chiredzi have nothing to lose so they are dangerous,” said Mathe.
“We really need to have a turn from negative results. A lot is at stake for us since we have to finish on a respectable position. We have been playing well in our last matches but it is just that we have been conceding and when results are not coming the negatives dominate the positives.”
