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Lovemore Zigara Midlands Correspondent
GWERU-BASED Premiership outfit, Chapungu and topflight league newcomers Whawha have stepped up their preparations for the 2015 season as they host champions Dynamos at Ascot Stadium today and tomorrow. The airmen will be the first to give the champions a run this afternoon and Whawha’s turn is tomorrow.

Following their 1-1 draws against FC Platinum and Highlanders a fortnight ago, Chapungu should give Dynamos a good run for their money.

It remains to be seen whether Whawha will be able to withstand the champions as they go into the game smarting from a 3-0 defeat to Plumtree Chiefs at the same venue last week.

The three clubs are using their weekend matches to finalise their squads before the season’s March 7 kickoff.

“Taking on a team like Dynamos will gauge our preparedness for the season. We will be giving all the boys a run before we come up with the final squad. Things have shaped up in our camp but we still need to work on combinations,” Chapungu coach John Nyikadzino said.

Chapungu have already secured services of striker Allan Tavarwisa, Smart Muchabaya and Marvellous Dikinya who were at Shabanie Mine, Tafadzwa Mombeshora formerly with Buffaloes, FC Platinum’s goalkeeper Talbert Mthombeni, Tinei Chitora and former Chrome Stars’ Moenda Machingambi.

They also snapped up Nhlanhla Ncube from Black Mambas.

Nyikadzino dismissed the notion that the overhaul of the team will affect their performance.

“I agree that continuity is important but you will have to understand that experience is also important. Lack of experience was our big undoing last season. We lost most of our away matches partly because we didn’t have experienced players. If you check all the clubs from Highlanders, How Mine and Triangle United among others are going for experience and we’re no exception. We’re targeting a top eight finish this season and going into the season with the right arsenal is important.”

Whawha are also leaving no stone unturned following that embarrassing 3-0 defeat to Plumtree Chiefs. Their head coach, Luke Petros-Jukulile promised Gweru fans a good outing after the poor result last weekend.

“We have dealt with the grey areas that needed attention and we’re ready to give Dynamos a run for their money as we finalise our squad,” Petros-Jukulile said.

The former Lancashire Steel, Dynamos, Shabanie Mine and Kaizer Chiefs marksman said his side had not pressed panic buttons saying they are in the topflight to stay.

Dynamos’ supporters based in the Midlands Province are expected to come in their numbers to see the newlook team assembled by new coach David Mandigora. Kelvin Bulaji and Dominic Chungwa crossed the great divide in Harare moving from Caps United to Dynamos during the off-season.

Mandigora could not be drawn to comment on the deadlock over strikers Rodrick Mutuma and Simba Sithole as well as midfielder Tafadzwa Rusike, referring the question to management.