Defending champions Dynamos are bubbling with confidence ahead of the Harare derby against Caps United at Rufaro on Saturday with veteran midfielder Murape Murape hopeful of maximum points.
Assistant coach Tonderai Ndiraya also said the arrival of midfielder Denver Mukamba from South Africa before the crucial tie had boosted morale in the team.
Mukamba has been trying to conclude his move to Bidvest Wits but returned home on Wednesday following complications over the number of foreign players at the club and is expected to play an influential role in the derby.
The star midfielder, who last played for Dynamos in the 1-0 defeat to Harare City, in which he saw red, trained with the Harare giants yesterday.
“Our preparations are going on well. We have everyone who is supposed to be here. In a derby, you need all your key players and Mukamba is a key member of the team, there is no doubt about that.
“His arrival has boosted confidence in the team. He will give us options in attack. Our advantage is that most of our players played in derbies last season. Every player — even those who are injured — wants to play in this match,” said Ndiraya.
The former Dynamos midfielder also said veteran midfielder Murape might play a part in the derby after recovering from a harmstring injury.
“He has been training with the team for the past week but he will be assessed when we wind up training tomorrow (today). He might be selected to play,” said Ndiraya.
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Murape (32) expressed confidence DeMbare will overcome Caps. “On paper Caps United has a good team but they know we always beat them.
“We have got a mixture of youth and experience. Players like Tichaona Mabvura and Farai Mupasiri are maturing fast and we have been telling them to stay focused because in battles like this it is important to concentrate on the pitch,” said Murape.
Dynamos also had their confidence boosted after coming out of Barbourfields with a precious point following a 1-1 draw with Highlanders on Sunday.
Caps United, already 14 points off the pace midway through the season, will be aiming to get their campaign back on track. They have lost their last two matches to Highlanders and Hwange. United manager Sean Connor said yesterday he had watched Dynamos more than any other team in the league and believes they have got good players.
“I have watched Dynamos more than any other team this season. They have got very good players in key positions but I am confident,” he said.
Last term Dynamos defeated Caps United 2-1 and 1-0 on their way to lifting the league championship.
