RONALD Chitiyo against Kuda Mahachi, Murape Murape against Innocent Mapuranga, George Chigova against Munyaradzi Diya, Patson Jaure against Peter “Rio” Moyo, Tafadzwa Rusike against Valentine Ndaba, Kalisto Pasuwa versus Kelvin Kaindu . . .
BY HENRY MHARA SPORTS REPORTER
Dynamos’ Bob90 Super Cup final match against Highlanders at Rufaro Stadium tomorrow presents a wealth of sub-plots worth savouring, with the country’s finest clashing, and two coaches looking to seize a place in the hearts of their respective supporters early.
Yet the nastiest grudge, perhaps beyond strictly footballing matters, will take place between Dynamos midfielder Masimba “Traitor” Mambare and the Highlanders supporters.
The source of the two parties’ differences does not need to be over-emphasised.
Dynamos coach Pasuwa, who has never lost a battle against his equal number in Kaindu since taking over the reins three seasons ago, believes Mambare possesses a big heart to cope with everything that will be thrown to him.
“We have told the youngster to be strong because we know they (Bosso supporters) are going to boo him. I have told him that playing for Dynamos has always been associated with pressure. I have told him he will be against thousands of supporters and he cannot answer them all by reacting to what they will be saying from the stands. He should just answer them on the field of play. I have told him to be strong, to show character. This is the same message I have told all the other players,” said Pasuwa, whose future is uncertain after another disappointing run in the Caf Champions League.
Asked if Mambare would get a chance to face his old paymasters, Pasuwa said: “We bought him not to warm the bench. I expect him to do better just like some of the players before him. We had players like Lovemore Ncube and Makwinji Soma-Phiri who came from Highlanders and did very well at Dynamos. It’s not a new thing so there will be no reason for him to shy away,” added Pasuwa.
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Things have been awry at Dynamos in recent times. A player boycott, club chairman Keni Mubaiwa losing the Premier Soccer League chairmanship election and the exit from the Caf Champions League. The past week was very long for the Harare giants. But even in the midst of all that chaos in their camp, there is a general feeling that they will still beat Highlanders — a side they have not lost to since 2006. But history aside, a win tomorrow is a result they simply need to atone for the tainted past week, especially for Pasuwa.
But the importance of the match could have been well summed up by Kaindu when he said: “When it comes to game pitting Highlanders and Dynamos, people do not consider whether it is a friendly, league or cup game.”
Kaindu added: “I know Dynamos have been a dominant force, they are a big team and we respect them. But this is a different year and the game is going to be played on a different platform and let the better team win.”
The two coaches are expected to field their new signings in the match. Besides Mambare, Pasuwa is set to unleash Rusike, Walter Mukanga, Themba Ndlovu and Chitiyo.
Mahachi would certainly be the star attraction, but Kaindu would no doubt give other new signings like Joel Ngodzo, Charles Sibanda, Welcome Ndiweni, Ndaba and possibly Rahman Kutsanzira, a chance to impress. Dynamos are the defending champions of the trophy after beating their opponents 6-1 on aggregate in a two-legged final last year.
