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Lloyd Mutasa

Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
CHAMPIONSHIP chasing Dynamos have set up a temporary base in Bulawayo following their emphatic 2-0 win over Bulawayo City on Wednesday as they prepare for tomorrow’s clash against Bantu Rovers at Barbourfields Stadium.

DeMbare moved into second position on the league table, tied on 64 points with Ngezi Platinum Stars, with two games remaining. The Harare giants and Ngezi trail leaders FC Platinum by two points.

After their win over Bulawayo City, Dynamos felt travelling back to Harare on Wednesday night and returning today would have been taxing for the players, and with their eyes set on the title, they decided to remain in Bulawayo.

“The championship race has reached fever pitch and it is important that we rest in this place (Bulawayo). We want to concentrate on recovery and head into Saturday’s game refreshed,” said Lloyd Mutasa, the Dynamos’ coach.

DeMbare are cognisant of the demands of the title race and any bleep could affect their quest to snatch the championship from the jaws of FC Platinum, who face Ngezi at Mandava Stadium tomorrow.

Dynamos can find themselves at the top of the table in the event that they beat Bantu Rovers and FC Platinum drop points.

What Dynamos are praying for is a draw between FC Platinum and Ngezi, as that result would take them to the top if they beat Bantu Rovers.

Dynamos can still find themselves at the top of the table in the event that Ngezi beats FC Platinum by less than a two-goal margin and they collect maximum points against relegated Bantu Rovers.

The Harare giants are, however, wary of Bantu Rovers.

“Our opponents are a good side coached by an equally good coach Methembe Ndlovu. We respect them and we know it’s going to be a good game in which we need to fight and get a positive result so that we remain in the title race. Remember the championship destination is not in our hands and this requires us to fight our battles, collect as many points as possible and see where we end the season on,” said Mutasa.

Dynamos cap their season with a home game against Chicken Inn, who are now competing for at least a top three finish after their championship hopes went up in flames when they drew 2-2 against Ngezi.

On Wednesday, Dynamos scored through skipper Ocean Mushure and Quality Kangadze.

They have steady centre-back Marshal Machazane, exciting right-back Peace Makaha, Tichaona Chipunza, Cleopas Kapupurika and Obey Mwerahari to help them take care of Bantu Rovers.

Bantu Rovers, who lost 0-2 to Chapungu, gave Ngezi a scare a fortnight ago despite ending on the losing side.

Young Bantu Rovers’ players, who include goalkeeper Wellington Muuya, captain and right-back Kudaishe Dzingwe, left-back Nyasha Garayi, centre-back Shadreck Nyahwa and striker McCarthy Dube are capable of shocking Dynamos if the former champions display any complacency.

The experienced quartet of defenders Dumisani Ndlovu and Lindelani Ncube, utility player Tapiwa Khumbuyani and midfielder Pride Zivengwa are expected to give Bantu Rovers’ youngsters guidance on the pitch.

Matchday 33 fixtures

Tomorrow: FC Platinum v Ngezi Platinum (Mandava), Bantu Rovers v Dynamos (Barbourfields)

Sunday: Caps United v Bulawayo City (National Sports Stadium), Yadah FC v       Highlanders (Rufaro), How Mine v Shabanie Mine (Luveve, 1PM), Chicken Inn v Chapungu (Luveve), Hwange v Harare City (Colliery), Black Rhinos v ZPC Kariba (Morris Depot), Triangle United v Tsholotsho FC (Gibbo).
— @ZililoR