DYNAMOS received a big boost ahead of the Harare Derby against Caps United with the return to full fitness of three key players.
Coach Genesis Mangombe confirmed that first choice goalkeeper Martin Mapisa, midfielder Tanaka “Kante” Shandirwa and winger Issa Sadiki are all available for his side’s must-win match.
Kante and Sadiki have been sidelined for a long spell while Mapisa missed the team's 1-1 draw against Herentals last week due to a groin problem.
However, the trio rejoined first team training this week, just in time for the big match against city rivals Caps United, scheduled for Rufaro Stadium on Sunday.
“They are all available for the match after recovering from injuries. It is a huge boost for us because they are key players in the team. They are first team players and their availability also means we have enough depth in the squad, so, I am very happy,” Mangombe said.
Captain Frank Makarati is yet to recover from his recurring knee injury while Valentine Kadonzvo is down with a stomach bug.
Defender Nomore Chinyerere who scored Dynamos’ goal in the 1-1 draw against Herentals last week is suspended for the match after accumulating three yellow cards.
“It is a blow for us,” Mangombe said. “But we need to find ways to cope without them. We have enough cover and I am confident that the players who will be selected to do duty, will play well.”
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Dynamos are going into the match on the back of a stuttering form.
Caps, on the other hand, has not really impressed so far, but they have shown time and again this season to somehow find a way.
Against Yadah last week, they played second fiddle for the larger parts of the game, but scored a winner deep into stoppage time.
William Manondo scored with virtually the last kick of the match to give Caps United an unlikely 1-0 win.
”Caps United is a tricky side. They have experienced players who can rise to the occasion any time. Manondo is doing well, so we will need to keep an eye on him. We know his quality and how he can hurt us,” Mangombe said
Manondo’s goal against Yadah was his fourth of the season.
Dynamos will start the match as favourites after their dominance against their erstwhile rivals last season when they completed a league double against Caps United.
Dynamos will be looking for a win to arrest a three-match winless streak that has seen them drawing their last three matches, heaping pressure on Mangombe.
Alarm bells will ring even louder for the former Yadah coach if the team fails to pick maximum points.
Last week’s draw left his side on 10th position on the log standings with 12 points from 11 matches although they are expected to be awarded three more points from their abandoned match against Chegutu Pirates.
Caps United are in a good space right now and a win on Sunday will stretch their winning run to three matches.
The Green Machine started the season badly and appear to have found their rhythm.
Their recent good run of form has seen them move to sixth place on the log with 16 points, six behind log leaders Manica Diamonds.
Matchday 12 fixtures
Tomorrow
Ngezi Platinum Stars v TelOne (Baobab), Bikita Minerals v Chegutu Pirates (Sakubva), Herentals v Bulawayo Chiefs (Rufaro), Arenel Movers v Yadah (Luveve), Fc Platinum v Hwange (Mandava), Zpc Kariba v Highlanders (Nyamhunga).
Sunday
Chicken Inn v Simba Bhora (Luveve), Caps United v Dynamos (Rufaro), Manica Diamonds v GreenFuel (Sakubva).
