Dynamos coach Calisto Pasuwa has lamented the loss of midfielder Milton Makopa through suspension ahead of a tough Caf Champions League first leg second round tie against Espérance of Tunisia here on Saturday.
Dynamos were only advised of the holding midfielder’s ban from this game after the team had left Harare with the player as part of the 18 member squad.
It means that Pasuwa will have to throw in Timire Mabvura into that position where he will play alongside Devon Chafa, who has to prove match fitness having struggled with a knee injury.
The Zimbabwe champions arrived in the Tunisian capital yesterday at lunch time, completing a 23-hour journey that took them through South Africa and Dubai.
“It is a big blow that we can’t field Makopa; his experience would have been useful at this level and considering the opposition we are facing,” said Pasuwa.
“I know Esperance have got a very good playmaker who likes to carry the ball and I thought Makopa would be needed to keep a watch on that player but we have to change the plan.
“I hope Devon can step up and take responsibility and I think this is a big chance for Timire which he should make good use of. We still have to assess Devon’s knee, he trained well, but we are not sure at this stage if he has fully recovered.”
Pasuwa is wary of Espérance’s threat in the wings and he said in this match they may have to play it ugly and be cautious, reserving beauty for Harare.
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“We will start of quite cautiously and study the opponent in the first half. Chances are we will have one man forward, you may see two strikers on the field but the roles may be different from what you have seen before.
“Takesure Chinyama has been doing well for us we hope he continues with that form, but we are saying we shouldn’t overload him. We want the other guys to step in and I was happy to see Rodreck (Mutuma) and Denver (Mukamba) do that in our league match against Black Mambas.”
The former Dynamos and Warriors midfielder said while they aim to win, they want to make sure they do not concede goals.
Pasuwa was particularly pleased with the reception from the hosts who were at the airport to welcome them.
They were booked into a good hotel and it was arranged for them to hold their training session at 5pm yesterday.
