Students dare giants DeMbare
MODEST Premier Soccer League side Herentals have claimed they are attracting more spectators to their home games compared to giants Dynamos who they host in a league game at the National Sports Stadium on Sunday. The Students, who boast of a loyal fan base comprising mostly students from Herentals Group of Schools, yesterday expressed concern over the dwindling numbers at the football stadiums, especially in Harare.
Herentals coach Kumbirai Mutiwekuziva told The Herald that their small but steadfast constituency of supporters has stood behind them since their promotion in 2018 and is now comparable to the numbers that DeMbare are getting for their home games.
The Glamour Boys at their peak, used to attract capacity crowds, in the regions of 20 000 to 30 000, but these days they struggle to get a small fraction of that number, even for the big games like last week’s Battle of Zimbabwe against Highlanders.
Herentals coach Mutiwekuziva said, although they also wish to play in packed stadiums, the exodus by DeMbare fans in particular was also a blessing for fledgling teams like theirs.
“It’s an advantage to us because we have been outnumbering them in terms of fans coming to the ground. But we are also hopeful that they (Dynamos supporters) will come in their numbers to watch the game when we face them on Sunday.
“It’s important for the game. We look forward to good football for the fans so that they get entertained and come to Dynamos games and also to our games going forward,” said Mutiwekuziva.
The 12th man has always given Dynamos an edge over the smaller clubs in their claim to become the most successful team in Zimbabwe. But recently spectators have often reasoned that they are not getting value for their money as domestic football has become pedestrian and boring. Dynamos have been singled out as one of the teams serving the dull dish.
Mutiwekuziva yesterday promised to bring to the table entertaining football. The Students, who have punched above their weight in three seasons of Premiership football, are looking to finish the campaign in the top eight.
But their resolve is set to be tested by the Harare giants, who are also under pressure to fight for a top two place, after losing the championship race to FC Platinum.
“One important thing is that we are facing one of the biggest and most successful clubs in Zimbabwe,” said Mutiwekuziva.
“This on its own gives our team enough motivation. Players are very easy to motivate when we play a team like Dynamos. They (players) would want to prove themselves and their abilities since Dynamos is a big club.
“So, it’s a positive for us. We hope the players will bring their best to the table. We have also enjoyed our history against Dynamos. Our games have been exciting.
“We need to keep performing well regardless of the game now being almost a dead rubber. We have survived relegation and they have lost the championship but I am sure the game is going to be entertaining, particularly to the spectators.
“So I urge fans to come and support us and watch the talent that we have and also try to improve the game. I look forward to an exciting game, with no pressure but just entertainment for the fans.”
Herentals, who occupy eighth place going into the penultimate round of fixtures, will be hoping to improve on the 11th place finish they got in the previous 2019 season.
However, John Zhuwawu, Avi Mataranyika and Tafadzwa Jim will not be able to face Dynamos on Sunday due to injuries while defender Brighton Majarira is returning from a knock.
The Students also have former DeMbare players Godfrey Mukambi, Ali Maliselo and Edgar Mhungu, who could be itching to prove a point to their former paymasters.
Mutuwekuziva is rallying his team to finish the campaign strongly, with the Chibuku Super Cup final in mind. The Students qualified for their maiden cup final recently after knocking out holders FC Platinum, and will play Bulawayo Chiefs at Barbourfields on November 19.
Fixtures
Today: Yadah v Chicken Inn ( NSS)
Tomorrow: CAPS Utd v Bulawayo Chiefs ( NSS), Cranborne Bullets v Tenax ( Vengere), Bulawayo City v Harare City (Barbourfields), Whawha v Black Rhinos (Ascot)
Sunday: Manica Diamonds v Ngezi Platinum (Sakubva), Triangle v FC Platinum (Gibbo), Highlanders v ZPC Kariba (Barbourfields), Herentals v Dynamos (