Dynamos, Highlanders in tricky fixtures

Sport
Giants Dynamos and Highlanders face what on paper appear to be easy league assignments this afternoon when they host Flame Lily and Chapungu respectively.

Giants Dynamos and Highlanders face what on paper appear to be easy league assignments this afternoon when they host Flame Lily and Chapungu respectively.

BY MICHAEL MADYIRA

Unbeaten DeMbare are pressed to continue with their fine run of form against a winless Flame Lily at Gwanzura. But their task has been disturbed by the unavailability of left-back Ocean Mushure and winger Qadr Amini who are injured.

Dynamos coach David Mandigora however is not worried about the duo’s absence. “If you do not have your regular players, you go deep into your arsenal and find replacements. I am sure we have enough cover,” said Mandigora.

The DeMbare rearguard has so far been their trump card, having conceded only once so far for a side that has scored six times.

Their opponents Flame Lily have the third most porous defence which has shipped in seven goals while finding the target just thrice.

But Mandigora is refusing to be fooled by the statistics readings. “The game is a big challenge and we are not taking Flame Lily lightly. There are strong teams this season. We have started the season very well and hope we will maintain that,” he said. At Barbourfields, Highlanders battle basement side Chapungu. The airmen have a game in hand but have so far endured a torrid campaign where they are winless with only a draw to show for their toiling.

Interestingly, they are the only team to have not scored so far. They meet a Highlanders side who despite having managed seven points, are equally struggling to find target with just two goals in four matches.

But Bosso coach Bongani Mafu has however hit at the club’s critics for scrutinising his side’s attack. “We have a striker [Thomas Chideu] who never played even Division One football before and most of the strikers are injured,” said Mafu.

“It is just four games into the season and people are already making noise about strikers. When defenders score no one sees any positive [thing] from it but remain pointing fingers at the strikers. Where is this all coming from? I am not worried about the strikers because it is still early days and there is always room to improve.”

Forwards Obadiah Tarumbwa and Simba Sithole are out injured while they however welcome back Ozias Zibande, who Mafu indicated could only play a cameo role today as he is not yet fully fit. Mafu is wary about Chapungu despite the Gweru side’s poor form.

“Chapungu are strong and we respect them. There are no weak teams in this league. I think we have done well so far and I understand it when the supporters demand more. No need to panic,” he said.