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Eddie Chikamhi Harare Bureau
Dynamos 0-0 Bantu Rovers
DYNAMOS coach Callisto Pasuwa says the Harare giants would need to polish up their act in the last two games if they hope to retain the championship after his side was held to a goalless draw by relegated side Bantu Rovers at Rufaro yesterday.

The Glamour Boys, who usually struggle with the smaller teams, yesterday lived up to their reputation with a languid performance which did not portray the determination of a team that is running for the championship.

Despite dropping two crucial points, DeMbare still managed to return to the top of the table after rivals in the championship race, ZPC Kariba, had taken an overnight lead on goal difference courtesy of a 3-2 win over Harare City on Saturday.

With 54 points in the bag Dynamos are still on course and have a one point advantage over the newboys ZPC Kariba who are in second place.

The Glamour Boys now face an important assignment as they are billed to clash with the season’s surprise packages in their next match, which should be the championship decider.

Pasuwa yesterday argued that Bantu Rovers were difficult customers while he also criticised his players for lacking the aggression they exhibited during the midweek when they crushed Harare City 5-3.

Dynamos were devoid of creativity going forward and had few clear-cut scoring opportunities for their strikers Washington Pakamisa and Roderick Mutuma who had a difficult day in the office.

Apart from a fine effort from Ronald Chitiyo in the 32nd minute which was pushed out for a corner kick by the goalkeeper and second half substitute Farai Mupasiri’s header which crashed against the crossbar in added time, the champions had a torrid afternoon upfront.

DeMbare also had appeals for a penalty turned down in injury time after Tafadzwa Rusike was brought down as he tried to make his way into the box but the referee awarded a freekick just outside the penalty area. Pasuwa however was still not happy with his charges’ performance.

“I think it was the attitude, the approach to the game was wrong. You could see most of the time we were second to the ball. There was no aggression in terms of going forward,” said Pasuwa.

“We lost the plot again. We wanted to collect three points, unfortunately we got one, which is still part of the game. We’re still in there. We’ve to fight hard against ZPC Kariba so that we can get maximum points in that game.”

Bantu Rovers had nothing much to play for but their reputation since they have already been relegated. However Methembe Ndlovu’s men fulfilled their commitment to Fair Play as they defended well and trying to catch their hosts on the counter.

Bantu always seem to have enough numbers behind the ball. Their off-side trap apparently worked well earlier on in the game with veteran former national team defender Herbert Dick commanding his lines to his best ability.

DeMbare though passed the ball soundly in their build-ups from the back but their midfield of Thomas Magorimbo, Cliff Sekete, Ronald Chitiyo and Simba Sithole was always found wanting.

While youthful goalkeeper Tatenda Mukuruva continued to enhance his reputation after getting the nod yesterday ahead of Artwell Mukandi, his Young Warriors teammate Blessing Moyo had a terrible outing and it was bad the coach had no options on the bench.

Chitiyo had DeMbare fans on the edge of their seats when he connected first time a low cross from the right but the goalkeeper Takudzwa Mutanga was alert to punch the bouncing shot out for a corner kick.

Then it was DeMbare’s turn to defend when Augustine Mbara scooped Obadiah Tarumbwa’s header from the line in the 52nd minute as DeMbare supporters began whistling in disapproval of their team’s lifeless displays.

The coach responded by introducing their captain Murape Murape to shore up the midfield and then pulling out the ineffective strikers Mutuma and Pakamisa for Rusike and Mupasiri.

But it appeared the Bantu Rovers players who were noncommittal in the first half, had garnered enough confidence and were beginning to come out of their shells. Nqobizitha Masuku, Bukhosi Sibanda, Goodwill Moraka, Moses Majika and veteran forward Tarumbwa gave the hosts a good run for their money.

Pasuwa refused to accept that his team was under pressure after title rivals ZPC Kariba had won their match the previous day to go top on goal difference.

“I wouldn’t say so. We’re supposed to be playing our games and we’ve to win on our own. We shouldn’t have to look at how other teams play. It’s very interesting we’re going to meet them in our next game,” said Pasuwa.

“I think this game was one of our toughest games. I don’t think that one against ZPC Kariba is going to be as tough. It’s going to be interesting, both teams are chasing after the championship and the better team will win.”

Bantu Rovers associate coach Mandla Mpofu was happy with a point against the defending champions. The Bulawayo side was the second team to be relegated after Chiredzi.

Mpofu however tipped DeMbare to go all the way and win this year’s championship but strongly believes they are feeling the pinch of the pressure that comes with running for the title.

“I think Dynamos at this moment have a chance. It’s a good side but I guess they’re under pressure now. Pressure is mounting but I guess they’ve the experience,” said Mpofu.

“As I said before that we weren’t under pressure. We came here to enjoy the game.

“We were a little bit motivated after winning the midweek game. We were really not under pressure and at the end of the day we’re happy we gave these youngsters an opportunity to play and they did very well.”

Teams

Dynamos: T Mukuruva, B Moyo, T Mabvura, T Ndlovu, A Mbara, T Magorimbo, R Chitiyo, C Sekete (M Murape, 56th minute), S Sithole, R Mutuma (T Rusike, 65th minute), W Pakamisa (F Mupasiri, 78th minute)

Bantu Rovers: T Mutanga, H Dick, Z Ngodzo, L Ndlela, B Sibanda (D Khumalo, 90th minute), T Hadebe, B Sikwili, O Tarumbwa, M Majika (T Kutinyu, 74th minute), N Masuku, G Moraka (T Mthunzi, 85th minute).