DeMbare, Bosso ready to rumble

…Shandirwa to miss blockbuster fixture

IF numbers that thronged Barbourfields for Castle Lager Premier Soccer League games last season are anything to go by, it will surely be a sea of black and blue tomorrow as Bulawayo echoes to the beat of Highlanders and Dynamos.

The stadium is expected fill up with the PSL opening fixture of the season having already generated a lot of excitement amongst fans.

Gate charges for the Battle of Zimbabwe have been pegged at US$5 for the rest of the ground, US$10 for the VIP section and US$20 for the VVIP.

Predictions for the winner in the high profile game have been making rounds with most supporters agreeing that it is not easy to foretell a score line for such matches especially coming straight from the off season.

Both teams, according to pundits, are well balanced in all departments after having managed to retain the bulk of their players who did duty last season.

To bolster their squad, Dynamos acquired new players that include Martin Mapisa from Spain, ex Cranborne Bullets star-Tatenda Makoni, Temptation Chiwunga from JDR Stars in South Africa, Nomore Chinyerere (FC Platinum), Valentine Kadonzvo (Ngezi Platinum Stars), Namibian Sadney Urikhob and Ghanaians Frederick Ansah Botchway.

Young star Vusa Ngwenya was also promoted from the Dynamos’ juniors.

Highlanders on the other hand brought in a new Head Coach Kelvin Kaindu who in fact returned to Bosso for a second dance following an initial stint between 2011-14.

Kaindu comes in to replace Baltemar Brito.

Bosso also signed Reason Sibanda who was with PSL debutants, Arenel Movers and Brian Mlotshwa from Hwange while Striker Calvin Chigonero was on loan with the club last season went on to sign a permanent deal.

Despite this being an opening fixture for the season, both camps are ready to rumble.

“Were are ready for tomorrow’s game, preparations have been going on well and this time we have the full complement of our squad,” said Dynamos Head Coach Genesis Mangombe.

“As a coach you always want to win the titles, we have been working on the grey areas that cost us last season so we will see how it goes this time.

“Most teams have beefed up their teams so there is going to be stiff competition but we are working hard to be the best.”

Mangombe has been working on introducing his new philosophy-the passing game-into his players.

He notes that the team now understands his ideas, hence they are ready to deliver.

“This is the way we want these guys to play; now they understand it better than last year so we expect them to perform well and win the games.

“Last season we succumbed to poor conversion rate and this time we have been working on that and I think this time we are going to get it right.”

Coach Kaka, as he is affectionately known, will have a full complement of his squad for tomorrow’s match.

With the introduction of his latest signings, he said, there has been intense competition in his camp for spots on the final squad.

He described his new acquisitions as experienced players who are well vexed with various tactical situations hence can adapt to every type of play.

“They have been playing well, they have adjusted and blended well with the team.

“Captain Frank Makarati has also passed the fitness test and is available for selection so generally we do not have injuries save for Elvis who is on a long term one.

“Tanaka Shandirwa also has some family issues, we have allowed him to attend to them.

“This is a big game and everyone is self-motivated, they want to win and they want to be selected in the final squad.”

Dynamos will also be banking on mental strength to collect maximum points.

“We have been working on it in training, trying to give them difficult decisions during training to weigh their mental fitness levels.

“Such matches have a lot of tension and playing away in Bulawayo, last year we failed to finish the game so they needed to be psyched to ensure they are ready for the game.

“We have no problem facing such a fixture on day one but it was not proper to start with such a big game, but we are ready anyway although we do not understand what criteria was used to make that decision.”

Coach Kaindu is also satisfied with the level of preparedness of his squad.

“We are looking forward to the game Sunday (tomorrow), so far we have no complaints, everything is going according to our plan and program.

“Our squad is almost complete…We have given slots to some of our junior players who are part of the team that will compete in the 2024 season so we are in it to win and also to assemble a strong team for the future.

“We want peace, after all we are one people so let us come in numbers and enjoy the return of the league.”

The game will mark Kaindu’s first competitive match since returning to Bosso in January.