HIGHLANDERS attacking midfielder Masimba Mambare says losing to Dynamos in the first leg of the Bob 89 Super Cup at Barbourfields Stadium has given them the resolve to succeed ahead of the second leg at Rufaro Stadium on Sunday.
Report By Tawand Tafirenyika
The Soccer Star of the Year runner-up said they were punished for failing to take their chances in the first leg and now faced a difficult task to overturn the tables and lift the lucrative cup.
Winners are set to get $100 000 with losers set to pocket $15 000 less.
The match is part of celebrations to mark President Robert Mugabe’s birthday. Mugabe turned 89 yesterday.
“Football is a game of chances,” Mambare said. “We got punished in the first leg because we didn’t take our chances. But that defeat has actually given us strength. It will be difficult in Harare, but we have to believe we can make it happen. We just need to remain focused throughout the match. We can overturn the tables. It’s all about taking your chances and I am confident we can lift this cup,” the 26-year-old said.
Dynamos have reported a clean bill of health in their camp and were confident of sewing up the tie.
The Zimbabwe champions had been fretting over injuries to key players — midfielders Russel Madamombe, Sidney Linyama and defender Ocean Mushure.
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The three have, however, resumed training and are available for selection for the Sunday clash after missing the first leg encounter and the Champions League match against Lesotho Correctional Services.
Defensive midfielder Milton Makopa is still on the sidelines as he battles a knee injury and is yet to start training.
Team manager Richard Chihoro said apart from Makopa, everyone was fit and raring to go.
“We have no injury worries so far. Except for Makopa, all players are fit. Ocean, Russel and Sidney are back at training and will be available for selection for the Sunday match. The coaches have a wider selection base and we hope those who will be selected will give their all,” Chihoro said.
Dynamos were late yesterday expecting to complete payment for Hwange striker Francesco Zikumbawire, who could make his debut on Sunday.
Hwange are insisting that they will only allow Zikumbawire to officially join Dynamos once the $15 000 fee has been paid.
Dynamos need at least a draw to lay their hands on the cup for the second time after beating city rivals Caps United at its inauguration two years ago. They go into the match carrying a 2-1 lead from the first leg. Skipper Tawanda Muparati found the target for the Zimbabwe champions before Patrick Khumbula weighed in with the second goal. Beaven Chikaka responded for Bosso.
But it is their convincing 3-0 victory over Lesotho Correctional Services in the preliminary round, first leg tie at Rufaro last weekend which should inspire them against Highlanders.
The cup was won by FC Platinum last year after they defeated Hwange 2-0 at Rufaro.
