TRIPPLE B say they are ready to face defending champions Dynamos in the first round of the Mbada Diamonds Cup at Gibbo Stadium on Sunday.
BY SPORTS CORRESPONDENT
Dynamos overcame Monomotapa 2-0 in last year’s final to grab one of the richest knockout tournaments in the country and complete a “double double” after winning the cup and the league the previous season.
But Tripple B coach Peter Manoti yesterday said he was ready to face the champions.
“We were so happy to be drawn against Dynamos. Everyone wants to play against the champions. It is always motivating to play a big team like Dynamos. In games like this, stars are usually born and my guys are ready to face Dynamos. The other motivating factor is that there will be a handsome reward in the end. This is our first appearance in this tournament and we are determined to make a mark,” said Manoti.
On the other hand, Dynamos will be looking for a historic third win on the trot. After watching his charges being kicked out of the BancABC Sup8r Cup by Shabanie Mine in the semi-finals on September 1, Dynamos coach Kalisto Pasuwa will be hoping to brush aside the challenge of Tripple B in their bid to reach the final of this tournament.
Dynamos are also buoyed by the fact that they are at the summit of the league table with 41 points from 21 matches and are coming from a memorable victory over Caps United in the city derby last week.
“We are looking forward to advance to the second round. After we were knocked out of the BancABC Sup8r Cup, we are determined to reach the final and defend our title. So far everyone is fit and we are looking forward to travel with our strongest squad,” said Dynamos assistant coach Richard Chihoro.
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Their opponents are, however, languishing in the relegation zone — stuck on second position from the bottom with a paltry 18 points and they will be hoping a win over Dynamos in this competition will help boost their confidence as they battle to stay afloat.
Meanwhile, Harare City will take on Monomotapa in another clash at Rufaro Stadium on Sunday.
City, under the guidance of Bigboy Mawiwi, will be hoping for a victory as they eye a league and cup double.
The Sunshine City Boys are placed second on the league table with 39 points and with the way they are currently playing, they have a realistic chance of winning a league and cup double. Mawiwi predicted a difficult match.
“It will be a very tough match. Monomotapa are a very good side. They are difficult when it comes to cup competitions. They were finalists last year and we have to be well prepared for this encounter,” said Mawiwi.
His counterpart Biggie Zuze shared the same sentiments. “It will be a difficult match. We have lost to Harare City in both league matches. The last one we lost 1-0 despite playing so well.
“They have always given us problems. We have not been playing well in the league of late and the guys see this match against Harare City as the best opportunity to register a win. They are all motivated,” said Zuze.
