DeMbare, Bosso clash
RESURGENT Dynamos say they don’t do friendly matches and would be seeking to maintain their good run when they meet a Highlanders side made up largely of developmental players in a Heroes Day match at Rufaro this afternoon.
The Bulawayo giants said a crippling fixtures schedule, which will see them playing two matches in as many days, will see them fielding a side made up of developmental players against the Glamour Boys.
Most of their regulars will then feature tomorrow against a Defence Forces Select side.
DeMbare team manager Richard Chihoro said every match was important to them given the need to continue assessing players this season.
The Glamour Boys have surpassed expectations with their strong run in the championship race with skipper Ocean Mushure leading the way.
“As Dynamos we don’t have anything called friendly match, we want to win the match and keep our record. We have been doing well in our league matches so we don’t want to falter in this game,’’ said Chihoro.
“If they bring a weaker side or their juniors we will destroy it as we mean business.
“We will field some of the players from the 30 we have registered. Everyone is available except those who are injured.’’
The serial champions will miss the defenders Lincolin Zvasiya and Obey Mwerahari who are down with flu as well as Marshal Machazane, Christian Epoupa Ntouba and Cleopas Kapururika who are injured.
Coach Lloyd Mutasa might also use the game to have another look at his new signings — Jimmy Konono, Godfrey Mukambi and Thembinkosi Simango.
Highlanders acting chairman Modern Ngwenya said ZIFA came to their rescue with regards to transport and accommodation.
“We pleaded with ZIFA to give us clarity on transport and accommodation as well as the general welfare of the players.
“ZIFA organised transport and accommodation. We are putting up at the ZIFA Village.
“We have infused players from developmental side that was supposed to play Tsholotsho and a few from the senior team who didn’t make it into the team that will play in Defence Forces Challenge match on Tuesday,” he said.
A total of 30 football matches are lined up across the country as part of this year’s commemorations.
And ZIFA, in consultation with the Ministry of Sport and Recreation, have roped in top-flight league and Division One teams from all the four regions to feature in these matches.
Harare City are in Chegutu, giving the people of that town a rare glimpse of Premiership players in action in their backyard, while CAPS United are in Chinhoyi in a blockbuster battle against Ngezi Platinum.
The matches have led to the suspension of the Castle Lager Premiership matches, which will resume next weekend.
Heroes Day Fixtures
Dynamos v Highlanders (Harare), Chicken Inn v Bulawayo City (Bulawayo), Shabanie Mine v FC Platinum (Zvishavane), Chapungu v MSU (Gweru), Mutare City v Buffaloes (Mutare), Hwange v ZPC Kariba (Hwange), Blanket Mine v Gwanda Ramblem (Gwanda), Black Rhinos v Yadah (Marondera), Harare City v Chegutu Pirates (Chegutu), Herentals v Blanket Mine (Norton), Border Strikers v Tsholotsho (Beitbridge), Ngezi Platinum v CAPS United (Chinhoyi), Triangle v Red Wing (Chiredzi), Africa Trust v Tenax (Rusape), Mushowani v Trojan (Bindura), Amagagasi v Mosi River (Victoria Falls), WhaWha v TelOne (Nkayi), Zesa Munyati v Silo United (Gokwe), Anchor Yeast v Post Office (Zhombe), Gutu United v United Lions (Gutu), Ivan Hoe v Chrome Stars (Kwekwe), Nichrut v Shurugwi (Shurugwi).