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David Mandigora

Lovemore Zigara Midlands Correspondent
DYNAMOS coach, David “Yogi” Mandigora has ruled out the return of winger Tafadzwa Rusike and goal poacher Roderick Mutuma into the Glamour Boys’ fold this season saying they were no longer in his plans.The two players who are managed by former Warriors midfielder, Edzai Kasinauyo have been deadlocked on new deals over signing on fees and salary cuts after the club’s principal sponsor BancABC reduced sponsorship.

Mandigora who took over the reins from Calisto Pasuwa who won four consecutive league titles, said Rusike had never showed up for training this year and therefore he could not assess him.

On Mutuma, the DeMbare coach said the lanky striker was out of contract and was free to look for another club.

“To be honest I haven’t seen Tafadzwa Rusike since I came back to Dynamos. I last saw him last year during some league games. I only heard that he wanted to go to Angola so at the moment I don’t even know where he is.  We are finalising our squad without those two guys,” said Mandigora after their 0-0 draw with Chapungu in Gweru on Saturday.

“As for Roderick Mutuma, I think you already know that he is no longer with Dynamos because his contract expired and in that scenario one is free to look for a club of his choice. As it is I’m happy with strikers that are in my squad.”

The strikers Mandigora used at the weekend were Ghanaian Eric Opoku, Patrick Kumbula, Carlos Rusere, Simba Sithole, Dominic Chungwa, Kasimero Chimbadzwa and Farai Mupasiri.

Kumbula, Chimbadzwa and Rusere were on target for DeMbare on Sunday when they beat Whawha 3-0 to round-up their Midlands province tour.

Turning to the club’s chances of winning a record fifth consecutive title, Mandigora was diplomatic saying they are preparing for a “tough and very competitive” season.

“I’m familiar with my own team but I’m not familiar with the opponents that we’re going to face when the actual season starts. There are strong teams like How Mine, FC Platinum and others that were busy building their sides and I still don’t know what their style of play is meaning that we just have to wait for the actual season to kick off. Surely, I can’t judge myself and my players from the pre-season friendly matches that we’ve just played because these are just preparations meant to shrug off rust and it’s going to be a tough season,” he said.