. . . Mushure backs Mutasa

DYNAMOS captain Ocean Mushure believes their coach Lloyd Mutasa had no choice, but to let Denver Mukamba go after relations between the two deteriorated because the midfielder could not act according to the instructions of the gaffer.

Mukamba was sent out on loan to join rivals CAPS United.

He completed his one-year loan move this week to end speculation over his future after the Dynamos technical team had shut him out because of disciplinary issues.

But Mushure yesterday said while Mukamba’s name had become synonymous with DeMbare, even after his return from South Africa two years ago, the coach had to make some tough decisions.

“It’s quite sad to lose a player like Denver, although on the other hand one feels it creates an opportunity for the other players, especially the new guys and the youngsters, to fill the void,’’ said Mushure. “It’s probably their chance to shine. “But without taking anything away from him, Denver is a very good player whom anyone would want in their team. He was one of our star players.

“The only disappointing thing was that he always had problems with the technical team. I understand the coach did his best to keep him in the system, but in the end the technical team felt it was best for the team to part ways with him.

“In any set-up, the coaches have what they expect from each and every player in order to achieve set objectives.

“Unfortunately for Denver, appears he couldn’t cooperate.’’

Mukamba was unveiled in CAPS United’s 29-member squad, which also features new faces Milton Ncube, Peter Rio Moyo, Dominic Mukandi, Praise Tonha and returning defender Dennis Dauda.

The Green Machine are set to officially unveil their squad at a Harare it hotel next week.

But apart from Mukamba’s off-field shenanigans, it appears Dynamos’ loss is CAPS United’s gain.

The excited Green Machine rolled out a red carpet for the midfielder and have expressed confidence they will get the best out of the player.

Makepekepe have designed a special training regime to help the midfielder catch up with the rest of his teammates in terms of fitness.

Mushure, however, believes DeMbare will remain strong after beefing up their squad with new recruits that include playmaker Raphael Manuvire, Marvelous Mukumba, James Marufu and Jimmy Tigere.

DeMbare will open their campaign against Chicken Inn when the season kicks off next week.

Mushure said they have set their sights on winning the title to improve on their second place finish last season.

“We are looking forward to the league and other cups on offer. We have had a promising pre-season when we won the ZNA Charities with our youngsters.

“But that was just an appetiser. We hope to pick it up from there and continue with the good run this year.

“We also signed new players, so it’s anyone’s game. The team is gelling well and hopefully by the time the season starts everyone will have gotten into the groove.

“But we have always discovered that every game that Dynamos play is like a cup game because everyone wants to beat us.

“We are working on match fitness, that’s probably the main concern now.

“Hopefully, by the time we begin the season, everyone will be in fine condition,” said Mushure.

DeMbare will have their final pre-season game tomorrow against Premiership returnees Mutare City at the National Sports Stadium.

Gate charges have been set at $2 for the cheapest ticket.