DeMbare’s Nyahwa still grounded
AT a time when he should have been with his teammates, preparing for their clash against Castle Lager Premier Soccer League newboys Chegutu Pirates at Baobab tomorrow, Dynamos midfielder Shadreck Nyahwa finds himself still grounded and uncertain about his return.
Dynamos will be hoping to make it two wins on the bounce for the first time this season.
They have had a stuttering start to the term with goals being as scarce as have been wins as coach Genesis Mangombe has watched in anguish while his charges scored five goals and conceded as many in their opening seven games.
Nyahwa sustained a chest injury in the 70th minute of Dynamos’ 1-0 defeat by Simba Bhora at Wadzanayi, coming worse off a nasty collision with Malvin Mkolo.
He then sat out DeMbare’s narrow 1-0 victory over TelOne at Rufaro last weekend.
Nyahwa, currently back at his home in Bulawayo is also out of the trip Dynamos trip to Mhondoro.
Yet he has been one of the standout players in Mangombe’s side that has looked very average so far this season.
“I am still in pain, my chest is sore, and breathing is sometimes a problem.
“I am getting medical attention. I have been directed to undergo scans and X-rays to establish the magnitude of the injury so that I can then get a conclusive report and the recommended way forward.”
Nyahwa also played a crucial role last year when Dynamos finished third behind champions Ngezi Platinum Stars and Manica Diamonds and ended the league shift with three goals.
He also featured in their Chibuku Super Cup triumph over Ngezi.
Nyahwa has been disappointed at having to be grounded so early into the season.
“It is heartbreaking to pick such an injury at this time of the season, the moments when you start to get more game time and a spot in the starting line-up.
“It was ironic because I was just on a higher level, I felt motivated and wanted to work hard for myself and the team and then this happened.
“I pray that the medical reports come out clean, I do not want to be out for long, as it is, I miss home (Dynamos).”
Despite Dynamos struggling to play with consistency, Nyahwa believes they will find their rhythm and turn the corner.
“I may be down but I believe in the team and know that they are capable of doing wonders, it is just a matter of time.
“People do not know that we are a closely knit squad when we are down, we keep on motivating each other, and this is how we always find ourselves coming to be on top of the game again.
“It is painful to be on the sidelines like this; remember last season we missed the title so closely although we went on to win the Chibuku Super Cup and coming back this season, I wanted to pick from there.
“In a situation like this, I have to believe in my team because they need to remain focused on finishing the campaign strong,” Nyahwa said.
His coach Mangombe is also hopeful of a quick return by the versatile player.
“He has a rare fighting spirit and I could see an improved Nyahwa in the recent past which is why we gave him more game time.
“We are waiting for a conclusive medical report and that is when we will know his fate but I am heartbroken because, from the look of things, this was supposed to be his breakthrough season,” Mangombe said.
The coach has had to shuffle his side again as he lost Nyahwa in the same week that skipper Frank Makarati returned after a long layoff.