MASIMBA Mambare’s injury picked in the Independence Cup semi-final win over Harare City on Sunday is not very serious as initially feared by the Dynamos fans, but the midfielder is likely to miss his team’s Castle Lager Premier Soccer League opener this weekend.
BY HENRY MHARA SPORTS REPORTER
Dynamos begin their title defence away to How Mine on Sunday.
Mambare lasted just 17 minutes on the pitch after he fell under a challenge while chasing a through ball. He was replaced by Cliff Sekete who went on to convert the winning penalty in the penalty shoot-out after the match had ended goal-less.
The former Motor Action and Highlanders midfielder appeared to twist his ankle as he tried to control the ball and looked in so much pain. He immediately called for help from the Dynamos bench as he reached the ground.
He did not celebrate with his teammates after the penalty shootout victory as he struggled to walk properly with a huge pack of ice strapped on his right knee.
Dynamos team manager Richard Chihoro said Mambare was taken for an x-ray after the match and the results are positive.
“We took him to the team doctor and an x-ray was carried out and the injury is not as serious as we had feared. He has no broken bone but just some strains which should heal after a few days. He was given some tablets to ease the pain and swelling so he should be ok in no time. But there is very little chance of him playing against How Mine. We will not rush him back,” said Chihoro yesterday.
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Also out, not for one game but six due to suspension, is defender Patson Jaure.
Jaure, who was handed this severe punishment for a lunge on a referee last season in a match against Highlanders in Bulawayo, has already served one match of the ban after missing Dynamos’ last match of the season last year.
He will also miss the matches against ZPC, Bantu Rovers, Harare City, Chapungu and Buffaloes.
Jaure was not in the team that played Harare City on Sunday as coach Kalisto Pasuwa appears to be preparing for life without the defender early in the season after he attracted interest from South African clubs in January.
How Mine are returning from the Caf Confederation Cup where they bowed out in the second round Bayelsa of Nigeria after losing 3-2 on aggregate on Saturday.
The gold miners have given the big three problems in their debut season, beating both Highlanders and Dynamos twice last season and also Caps United.
Week 1: How Mine v Dynamos, Hwange v Buffaloes, Caps United v ZPC Kariba, Chapungu v Highlanders, Chicken Inn v Harare City, Chiredzi v FC Platinum, Bantu Rovers v Black Rhinos, Shabanie Mine v Triangle
