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DeMbare, Bosso clash

Sport
KALISTO Pasuwa may not have regarded the Uhuru Cup as a top priority when the 2013 Premier Soccer League (PSL) season started, but he needs it now.

KALISTO Pasuwa may not have regarded the Uhuru Cup as a top priority when the 2013 Premier Soccer League (PSL) season started, but he needs it now.

Report by Henry Mhara

The Dynamos gaffer needs the Independence Trophy to rescue a season which is rapidly turning into a nightmare. Imagine this scenario for the champions: They are out of the Caf Champions League, already eight points behind log leaders FC Platinum after four games in the league, and a goalless draw with league debutants Triangle last weekend to make it four draws out of four in league matches!

Not exactly what the Dynamos family had in mind when the season started a month ago.

Winning the Uhuru Cup, in which he faces perennial rivals Highlanders at the National Sports Stadium this afternoon might not be enough to save Pasuwa’s job considering this was a season the club were supposed to turn their attention to ruling Africa, but it would provide some kind of redemption. Knives are already out with reports this week suggesting that the double-winning coach has been given an ultimatum to win his next two matches.

Interestingly, they face Highlanders twice in four days — today and in the league on Sunday.

The Dynamos hierarchy this week came out publicly to assure Pasuwa that his job was safe. The good news for Pasuwa ahead of the match is that defender Sydney Linyama, who is ineligible to play in the league due to a contractual dispute with former club Chicken Inn, is eligible for selection and alongside Patson Jaure.

However, Pasuwa needs to coax some of his players to perform somewhere near their potential. He needs captain Tawanda Muparati and defensive midfielder Devon Chafa to start providing the inspirational performances from midfield which were such a feature when winning the title last season and the year before.

He needs striker Francesco Zekumbawira to return from injury to provide the bite that has been missing upfront.

While the big man is not known to be a regular goal-scorer, his strength to hold up play and shield off defenders creates space and avenues for fellow strikers Patrick Khumbula and Allan Tavarwisa.

Dynamos, however, should beware. They are facing a Highlanders side that are walking with a spring in their step given a robust start to the PSL that has seen them collect nine points from a possible 12.

But more important for Bosso is that they are seeking revenge for the “repeated humiliation” they have endured at the hands of their bitter rivals. Highlanders have failed to beat their nemesis in open play since their title-winning squad of 2006 and while this match may not erase all those memories, victory today will go some way in restoring the battered image.