THREE derbies, three goals.And all three goals coming from one spectacular match at the National Sports Stadium between Dynamos and Caps United, whose result is now almost too predictable.
WELLINGTON TONI SPORTS EDITOR
Even more predictable like the Dynamos-Highlanders matches.
Bantu Rovers and Highlanders drew 0-0 at Barbourfields and the score was also goalless at Maglas between Shabanie Mine and FC Platinum.
Caps United, in losing 2-1 to archrivals Dynamos on Sunday, had everything going for them in the opening 45 minutes, a goal by Tendai Samanja and four denials by three members of that equipment called a bar.
That Nicholas Alifandika was the star of the day is in no doubt, but his coach Taurai Mangwiro seemed to lose the plot early in the second half when he went on a defensive mode instead of maintaining the first half momentum.
Ten minutes into the second half, Dynamos were level through Washington Pakamisa and Mangwiro panicked, taking out Moses Muchenje for Gerald Phiri and that seemed to give the defending champions the edge and they came charging.
When you can’t plug the holes in midfield, the defence comes under pressure and from one such moment, Russell Madamombe scored the winner.
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Before he left for South Africa, Patson Jaure said if they have to play ugly to win, then let it be. Alifandika was on the receiving end from Stephen Alimenda time and again, and the referee, probably afraid that Murape Murape would report him to the police, was very lenient.
But how Dynamos dealt with the last 45 minutes of the match showed the character of champions-they are prepared to go all the way and make it titles in a row.
This is the second half of the season, and this is the time to separate boys from men and the next 14 matches will tell the story of the 2014 Castle Lager Premiership season.
Dynamos have no problems in dealing with Caps United, Highlanders and FC Platinum (even though they needed the assistance of a referee this time around), but have big problems in dealing with small teams.
They have fallen to ZPC Kariba, Buffaloes, both at the NSS, Chapungu and Hwange away and this what they have to deal with in the second half of the season. This weekend, they take their title charge to Rimuka Stadium against Joisten Mathuthu’s Black Rhinos, who are buoyed by back to back wins against How Mine. And if they (Dynamos), show the same resilience against the soldiers, three points are there for the taking.
Caps, after finally losing their first match at the NSS this season, will be hoping to bounce back immediately against troubled Chicken Inn on Sunday. Match Day 17
Friday: Harare City vs Chiredzi (Rufaro, Live on SuperSport 9, 1500hrs) Saturday: ZPC Kariba vs Hwange (Gwanzura, Live on SuperSport 9, 1500hrs), FC Platinum vs Chapungu (Mandava) Sunday: Caps United vs Chicken Inn (Live on SuperSport 9, 1500hrs), Buffaloes vs Shabanie Mine (Sakubva), Highlanders vs How Mine (Barbourfields), Black Rhinos vs Dynamos (Rimuka), Triangle vs Bantu Rovers (Gibbo)
