Dynamos face their day of destiny tomorrow as they take on Kiglon, knowing that a win will clinch them the 2011 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title.
The Harare giants lead the chase with 55 points, the same number as second-placed FC Platinum, although the log leaders have a healthy four-goal advantage.
FC Platinum have a winnable match against Shooting Stars across town at Gwanzura Stadium, but there is no doubt the job is firmly in Dynamos’ hands.
Dynamos know what they have to do tomorrow. A victory over the Kiglon Birds, who have only pride to play for themselves, would see Dynamos completing a sensational turnaround to their season.
Even a draw will be enough if FC Platinum fail to beat Shooting Stars. And should FC Platinum lose at Gwanzura, then Dynamos will finish first whatever happens at Rufaro Stadium.
“We have to win, we are much prepared for the match,” said Dynamos assistant coach Tonderai Ndiraya yesterday.
“From the day we beat FC Platinum to go on top of the log, we could not wait for this match. We are going into the match with a very good momentum and not taking away anything from our opponents on Sunday (tomorrow), I don’t think they will be able to stop us. The boys are raring to go, they want the job finished.”
He added: “Most of the guys in the Dynamos team have not won a league title and this is the chance. We will give everything. I am urging our supporters to come in their numbers for this momentous occasion. We have to celebrate together.”
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It has been a sombre week for Dynamos though, as they build up to this fixture. Two of their supporters perished in a road accident on their way to Mandava last Sunday and three more have succumbed to the injuries sustained from the crash.
One of their stars of the season, Martin Vengesayi, also lost his grandfather yesterday.
The 24-year-old speedy striker, who was celebrating his birthday yesterday, had to leave for his rural home in Masvingo for the funeral and is expected back in the capital this evening.
“It’s very sad,” said Ndiraya. “We would as well dedicate our Sunday victory to the families and friends of our supporters who died last week.
We want to win this match for them. I know they are with us in spirit. They would have wanted to see us winning the title so we will have to do it,” added Ndiraya.
On Vengesayi, Ndiraya said, “We have released him to go and mourn his grandfather, but he said he wanted to play. He has promised to be back tomorrow (today). We will assess him to see if he will be physically and emotionally fit for the match.”
As if was not enough for the Dynamos family, captain George Magariro, who has missed the team’s last two matches due to a knee injury, has failed to recover.
The good news in the camp is the return to full fitness of striker Rodreck Mutuma.
The Premier League’s top scorer with 13 goals missed the Thursday training session at the match venue due to a knock he sustained last weekend, but was back in the fold yesterday.
With Mutuma certified fit for the match, coach Calisto Pasuwa will be expected to go for it from the beginning with the same team that beat FC Platinum last week.
That means stand-in captain Cuthbert Malajila will lead the hunt for the needed goals. Archford Gutu and Denver Mukamba will add creativity and flair in the midfield while the backline of Guthrie Zhokinyi and Washington Arubi will want to make sure Kiglon do not find the nets.
While Dynamos have one hand on the title and are hot favourites to clinch it, it will be folly for them to expect an easy run against Kiglon.
The Harare giants will no doubt remember the reverse fixture at the same venue on the first day of the season when Kiglon pulled off a shock 1-0 win.
