Battle for Uhuru Cup

fighting spirit they exhibited in the league game against FC Platinum when they meet Gunners in the Independence Cup semi-final today at Rufaro.
The Glamour Boys posted a 2-0 victory over the expensively-assembled FC Platinum with rightback Kutyauripo endearing himself to the fans with his spirited runs.
Martin Vengesayi gave Dynamos an early lead before Desmond Maringwa sealed the victory with a late goal.
Dynamos are now hoping to build on their confidence after a barren spell spanning three games.
Kutyauripo’s runs and searching crosses made him a darling with the fans as Dynamos broke their three match winless streak.
Against Gunners, the wingback is hoping the players will pick up from where they off left in the game against FC Platinum.
“We are supposed to fight hard like what we did on Wednesday.
“If we do that, then we can get a result,” said Kutyauripo.
Dynamos had two strikers in Rodrick Mutuma and Vengesayi and at the end of the game they never missed the Young Warriors’ quartet of Devon Chafa, Timire Mamvura, Archie Gutu and Denver Mukamba who are away with the Under-23 team in Botswana.
After winning against FC Platinum, without the foursome, Dynamos coach Lloyd Mutasa could make little change to the team which played in mid-week.
The win over the Zvishavane side eased pressure that had been mounting on Dynamos.
“We hope to excite the fans. That’s what they came to watch and we are not under any pressure.
“But we have to play for a win and lift the cup,” said Kutyauripo.
However, Mutasa could also use the cup game to give players who have been rotting on the bench a run.
Dynamos are going into the battle without Thomas Magorimbo who was stretchered off the field on Wednesday.
Augustine Mbara, who replaced the former Shooting Stars defender, could be asked to take the leftback position while Kutyauripo will be on the opposite flank.
George Magariro and Guthrie Zhokinyi are set to form the central defence while Murape Murape and Milton Makopa could be deployed in midfield after impressing on Wednesday.
Dynamos could also employ either Rodrick Mutuma or Patrick Khumbula to help Martin Vengesayi in attack.
Khumbula created the second goal as he fed Maringwa to hammer home the crucial strike.
Both Khumbula and Vengesayi should be fired up after an inspired performance in the mid-week game.
Gunners lost 4-3 on penalties to Dynamos last year at the same stage of the competition but both teams have since gone through a lot of changes.
Ashley Rambanapasi, who featured prominently for Dynamos last season has found a new base at Gunners, and could be out to prove a point although he could be targeted by the boo boys.
Gunners have struggled to find goals since Golden Boot Award winner Norman Maroto left them for FC Platinum.
In their three league games this season, Gunners are yet to find the target and with striker Leonard Tsipa down with a bout of flu, it would appear a tall order.
The 2009 champions have also parted ways with David Rediyoni, who is now scoring for red-hot CAPS United.
But Gunners’ skipper Elvis Meleka is confident they will go all the way to the final.
He believes the team has now taken shape and they should start getting goals soon.
Meleka is hopeful Rambanapasi will come to the party while the side also has former Dynamos players in Nyasha Chazika and Eddie Mashiri.
Gunners have also boosted their squad through the acquisition of the Sengu brothers, David and Ronald, and former Dynamos forward Prince Mbara.
Chando Kupisa are missing goalkeeper George Chigova who is with the Under-23 but assistant coach George Madira could count on Prosper Chigumba.
The side will also miss Qadr Amin, who is with Young Warriors.
But they have veteran striker More Moyo, Arnold Chaka, Charles Makuruva, Byron Madzokere, Hardlife Zvirekwi, Moses Muchenje and Richard Khola to count on.
The winner between Dynamos and Gunners will book a berth in the final at the National Sports Stadium on Monday.
The other semi-final will feature league champions Motor Action and Highlanders at Barbourfields today.
Bosso lost 2-0 to Dynamos in last year’s final but this time their coach Mkuphali Masuku is confident of winning the silverware.
“There is no special planning for Motor Action.
“We are just taking it as any other match but obviously since we playing at home we going to throw everything to make sure we win,” said Masuku.
Motor Action are bubbling after a good win over Dynamos in a league match.
The Mighty Bulls have lifted the Independence Cup once, in 2005, after dismissing Highlanders 2-0 at Barbourfields when Rahman Gumbo was the Bulls’ coach.
Independence Trophy semi-final
Dynamos v Gunners (Rufaro)
Highlanders v Motor Action (Barbourfields)

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