DYNAMOS say they have put behind their defeat to army side Buffaloes in the league two weeks back and are hoping for victory as they meet again in the quarter-final of the BancABC Sup8r Cup at Gibbo Stadium in Chiredzi tomorrow.
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The league champions have been boosted by the return from injury by key players, defender Patson Jaure and striker Francesco Zekumbawira, whose appearance in the blue and white colours of the defending champions has long been awaited.
Team manager Richard Chihoro predicted a tough encounter. He said the BancABC Sup8r Cup was a different ball game and were looking forward to advance to the semi-finals of the tournament.
“This is a cup competition. It’s different from the league. The chances are 50-50. It does not follow that since they beat us at Sakubva they will do it again this time around. We have put behind us the defeat in the league and we are approaching this game like a completely different match. Everyone is ready for this game,” said Chihoro.
Buffaloes, who became the first team to beat Dynamos this season with that famous 3-2 win in an ill-tempered league match aided by poor match officiating at Sakubva, will be seeking to prove that their victory was not a fluke and coach Timothy Masachi was confident of pulling off another victory.
“Dynamos will obviously be looking for revenge, but we are also looking to carry on from where we left. We don’t have any injury worries.
“All our players are available for this match,” said Masachi whose charges suffered a shock 2-4 defeat to Triple B in their recent league match.
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Buffaloes inspirational captain Prosper Matizanadzo, who is also a member of the Warriors, will be expected to lead his troops after that morale-sapping defeat.
Former DeMbare midfielder Wonder Sithole — scorer of one of the goals in their 3-2 victory over Kalisto Pasuwa’s men is also expected to play a key role with former How Mine striker Stephen Sibanda — scorer of a double in that famous victory — set to lead the attack.
Buffaloes defender Themba Ndlovu says that his team-mates should continue with their fighting spirit against Dynamos.
“We have a good team that can match any team in the league. We are very confident that we are going to win against them and everyone is raring to go. And l am happy this time the match will be broadcast live on Supersport 9 so that people will see for themselves,” he said.
“What is only needed is to maintain our focus. The other thing is that we should continue with the fighting spirit that we showed when we beat them at Sakubva. In that match every player covered for others especially when we realised we were one man down,” Ndlovu — the man who was red carded said.
Meanwhile, Motor Action will take to the field first against Monomotapa in one of the quarter final clashes set to kick off at 12.30pm with the Dynamos Buffaloes tie starting later at 3 pm at the same venue.
Highlanders and FC Platinum also face off at Mucheke Stadium in one of the quarter-final clashes.
The sponsors have increased the sponsorship package this year to $258 000 with the winners guaranteed a $120 000 pay cheque while the runners up are set to pocket $50 000. Losers from the first round take home just $12 000 each.
