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Dynamos will have to dig deep into their reserves when they date unpredictable Kiglon in their opening match at Rufaro on Sunday.
It will also be the first time that Lloyd Mutasa faces Kig-lon since he dumped them at the start of the year to take up the Dynamos coaching post.
It will also be the first time that a number of players such as Dominic Benati, Thomas Magorimbo, goalkeeper Max-well Nyamupangedengu, Devon Chafa and Gift Bello who were all on Kiglon’s books will be meeting their former paymasters.
Dynamos might have been at their rare fluent best when crushing Algerian champions MC Alger in a Champions League encounter at Rufaro last Sunday, but their team looks set to be diluted when they begin their league campaign.
This is because Mutasa will be without the quartet of goalkeeper Washington Arubi, defender Guthrie Zhokinyi and midfielders Denver Mukamba and Archieford Gutu who are away with the national team in Mali for an African Cup of Nations qualifying assignment.
Arubi, Zhokinyi and Mukamba featured prominently in the game against MC Alger with the later pair also finding a goal each in the victory.
Zhokinyi opened the scoring from a penalty and Muka-mba added Dynamos’ third with a wonder strike.
Dynamos’ opening match could have been postponed in terms of the PSL regulations, which allow teams with three or more players on national duty to forego their assignment.
But in this scenario, Dynamos have Arubi and Zhokinyi who are on their books while the pair of Gutu and Mukamba are technically not yet DeMbare players and it is against this background that the PSL went ahead to confirm the game.
PSL chief executive Kennedy Ndebele said the league is still trying to compile a register of players since clubs are still in the process of signing new personnel ahead of next week’s transfer deadline.
“The weekend fixtures are going ahead as scheduled. We have talked to Dynamos about their match against Kiglon and nothing is changing,” said Ndebele.
Dynamos goalkeepers’ coach Tichaona Diya said they were prepared to face their bogey side even without Gutu and Mukamba – two of the most influential players to emerge from their newlook outfit.
Despite the four players’ absence, Diya said he was confident that their rhythm would not be disturbed as they seek a positive start to the 2011 season.
DeMbare, who have been playing an attractive passing game, have declared that they will be going for the title this year after losing out to Motor Action on goal difference in a close title chase last season.
They sounded warning shots with a good run up the season, which included morale-boosting victories over their three biggest rivals CAPS United, Highlanders and Motor Action.
“We have no problem facing Kiglon because we have a strong pool to select our team from. We are balanced in all departments. We still have more options for goalkeepers and our strike force is intact.
“Gift Bello has been playing in central defence, alternating with Zhokinyi and we are okay in that area. It appea-rs we are only affected in the midfield but we have good cover in all departments.
“We are not mourning. In fact it’s an opportunity for some players who usually don’t get game time to step up and fill the gaps,” said Diya.
Following the departure of virtually their entire team, Kiglon have quietly gone about a rebuilding exercise under the guidance of former national Under-17 coach Rodwell Dhlakama.
Dhlakama posses a good eye for talent and the former Monomotapa gaffer has been trying to blend a team that includes material from Division One, the now defunct Eagles as well as players secured from loan from other clubs.
Kiglon have also managed to retain the services of such players like William Manondo and captain Charles Mukanhairi.
Assistant coach Patridge Muswe believes their team has taken shape and is confident they will not easy pushovers this season.
“We are capable of standing our ground. Players come and go and this is a new beginning for us. Nothing has changed at Kiglon in terms of our passing brand of football,” said Muskwe.
Reigning champions Motor Action will open their account against Black Mambas at Motor Action Sports Club tomorrow.
The Mighty Bulls however will be seeking to recover from the restlessness in their camp that led to the firing of defender Sam Mutenheri and midfielder William Kupera this week.
Veteran coach Misheck Chidzambwa will take his Premiership rookies, Blue Ribbon for a battle against fellow newboys Chicken Inn away at Luveve.
Elsewhere, Bosso will begin their campaign with a date against Shabanie Mine in Zvishavane while Hwange are at home to 2009 champions Gunners at the Colliery.

Fixtures:
Tomorrow: Motor Action v Black Mambas (Motor Action Sports Club), Chicken Inn v Blue Ribbon (Luveve), FC Platinum v Shooting Stars (Maglas), CAPS United v Zimbabwe Saints (Rufaro)
Sunday: Hwange v Gunners (Colliery), Highlanders v Shabanie Mine (Barbourfields), Kiglon v Dynamos (Rufaro), Masvingo v Monomotapa (Mucheke).