Sikhumbuzo Moyo

ZIMBABWE soccer champions Dynamos have defied an order by Premier Soccer League that all the teams should not to be involved in friendly matches this weekend. The PSL has ordered the cancellation of all matches this weekend as a result of the NetOne Charity Shield jamboree that is on at Mandava Stadium in Zvishavane tomorrow and Sunday.

Four teams, Monomotapa, Caps United, Chicken Inn and FC Platinum will clash in the $300 000 tournament with the first match between Mandla Mpofu’s Chicken Inn and Monomotapa, who are coached by Biggie Zuze kicking off at 1pm followed later by FC Platinum and Caps United.

“To us, the order is simply senseless and as such, we are going ahead with our practice match this weekend. How can we go for such an important mission without proper preparations,” said Dynamos chairman, Kenny Mubaiwa yesterday.

They are set to clash with Mutare-based Buffaloes at Rudhaka Stadium in Marondera.

The Harare giants take on Club Athletic Berzetin of Tunisia in the Caf Champions League first round match in Tunis next weekend. They fly out on Tuesday.

PSL chief executive officer Kennedy Ndebele however said clubs that want to have friendly matches can do so outside the country as the League will not okay any match taking place in the country.

“It’s a charity weekend and as such no other games should be taking place other than the ones at Mandava Stadium. When the national team is playing at home we always cancel all our games which is what we are doing now,” said Ndebele.

The PSL head of secretariat said clubs itching to have friendly matches can do so outside the country, if they have resources.

However, Mubaiwa said failing to prepare adequately for their crucial game against the Tunisians was tantamount to committing suicide.

“We want an opposition team that will give us proper preparations before we fly out on Tuesday,” said the DeMbare boss.

Meanwhile, Bulawayo giants Highlanders are planning to cross the borders into Botswana for an international friendly match on Saturday.

“We cannot confirm anything as of now but we are planning to go to Francistown for a match against Tafic. However due to the time frame, I am not sure whether all the paper work will be done on time,” said chairman Peter Dube.

If the match materialises as expected, it will be the sixth pre-season match for Kelvin Kaindu coached team.

They have had a terrible run in their matches so far, losing four and winning just a single match, the 2-0 win over new boys Tripple B at Barbourfields Stadium last Sunday.