Diamond Showtime

some gilt-edged chances for CAPS United who eventually lost the tie 1-2 at the National Sports Stadium.
This one, a winner-take-all showdown, should also be a good one with both Dynamos and CAPS United coming into this Mbada Diamond Cup showdown on the back of very good form.

The Harare Derby comes alive again tomorrow at the giant stadium and, with the sponsors Mbada Diamonds providing free transport for fans in the high density areas to the venue of the match, chances are that there could be a capacity crowd.
This should be an explosive tie, a final before the final, and there are genuine fears that the tournament will lose its sparkle after this game.

But, at least, Mbada Diamonds will get value for their investment tomorrow and, anywhere, there was no guarantee that the two giants would meet at any stage in the tournament had they been separated in the first round draw.
Football gods have been smiling in Dynamos’ favour this season after the Glamour Boys’ dominant form which has seen them racking up three victories, which include a league double, and the pre-season Bob 87 Cup success.

But this is probably the last opportunity for Makepekepe to make amends and make up for the losses suffered this season and you get a feeling that they have a very good chance tomorrow.
Goalkeeper Edmore Sibanda, who was on the bench when CAPS United drew 1-1 with FC Platinum in Mandava, said the Green Machine were ready for the challenge.
“We are prepared for them. We don’t want to create unnecessary pressure because this is just like any other game,” said Sibanda.
“There is nothing special about them beating us three times because we once beat them for seven years.

“This is a new game and I also believe it’s time we also beat them. It’s anyone’s game though because cup games are tricky.”
But whether CAPS will be able to bounce back or Dynamos will be able to stretch their dominance remains the big question tomorrow.
CAPS United were struck a big blow this week with the unavailability of gritty midfielder Ashley Rambanapasi, who has been ruled out for the remainder of season, because of a recurring knee injury.

But Makepekepe are not worried since the rest of the players in their dressing room have been certified fit and are ready for battle.
Coach Lloyd Chitembwe has many options for the midfield department with Stephen Alimenda, Tendai Samanja, captain Marvel Samaneka and David Rediyoni, who tormented DeMbare the last time they met, all available for selection.

Rediyoni was also inspirational in Zvishavane last weekend.
The club’s Premiership leading scorers Pride Tafirenyika and Evans Gwekwerere, with seven league goals apiece, are key and Tafirenyika is bubbling with confidence after scoring in Zvishavane.
Gwekwerere missed the game against FC Platinum after getting an invitation for trials at South Africa’s Orlando Pirates. But Washington Pakamisa played very well as the sole striker and Chitembwe has a lot of homework before he can settle on his team.

Sibanda said CAPS United were in good spirits and have high hopes for a good result.
“Generally everyone is looking forward to it. Of course, there is bound to be pressure but we aim to play our normal game,” he said.
After experiencing a dip in form, CAPS seem to have negotiated their way out of the woods with some improved performances under Chitembwe.

There was so much promise in the pre-season Bob 87 Cup, which Dynamos won 3-2, but there was nothing to write home about when the teams met in the first league match which ended 1-0 in favour of Dynamos.
Tawanda Muparati’s late strike was the only talking point from the dull 90 minutes of play but there were improved performances in the return leg, which Dynamos won 2-1 courtesy of Roderick Mutuma’s brace. Dynamos’ midfielder Murape “Monya” Murape yesterday said they were going to put in extra effort because they wanted to win this tournament.

“This is a knockout game and one team has to win. Obviously CAPS would not want to lose to us again and that is something we should be wary of,” said Murape.
“They are a good team and we give them their respect. We beat them, yes, but I believe concentration will be key. We are not going to be complacent. We have been talking about it and I hope everyone will put in extra effort because as Dynamos we always look beyond the first round phase in any competition.

“We aim to keep it simple and work hard as a team. It’s my wish that we beat them in every game because they are our number one opponents.”
Like CAPS United, DeMbare have been doing well in their recent assignments under Callisto Pasuwa and Tonderai Ndiraya, and are unbeaten in their last four games.
Striker Cuthbert Malajila, who suffered a groin strain in the 4-0 win over Zimbabwe Saints, is expected to be fit for the game, and Pasuwa could partner him with Mutuma upfront.

Mutuma was the hero in the last meeting when he struck twice in the second half after Gwekwerere had given CAPS United a deserved lead.
Dynamos appear a compact side with quality in their midfield that has Archford Gutu and Denver Mukamba, who has been playing well of late.
Ndiraya complained about his team’s love for showboating when they played Saints but, given that the opponents tomorrow are CAPS United, he can be assured that there will be no time for such madness tomorrow.

You Might Also Like

Comments