HARARE - With the epic clash between Dynamos and Highlanders on this afternoon at the National Sports Stadium, the Daily News on Sunday’s Deputy Sports Editor, Nigel Matongorere looks at the key battles that are likely to influence the result.
Kuda Mahachi v Stephen Alimenda
Mahachi has been Highlanders’ livewire this season whenever he is in position. The winger has the tendency to pop up from all over across the front line. Naturally a winger, Mahachi is now drifting into midfield as he tries to influence the game for his new club. When he’s on the win he glides past defenders before sending dangerous crosses into the box. In the event that he drifts inwards, he tries to pick a through ball for the Highlanders strikers to run onto. Alimenda is a menacing holding midfielder, who does not shy away from the difficult tasks. It will be his responsibility to track Mahachi’s runs and protect the Dynamos back four. Failure to contain the lively winger will be catastrophic for the DeMbare and they need Alimenda to be at his best this afternoon.
Ronald Chitiyo v Eric Mudzingwa
Although most Dynamos players have struggled this season, Chitiyo has been a shining beacon in a midfield that has lacked ideas and a cutting edge. The small midfielder has the ability to get past defenders and a killer final pass. Chitiyo has been DeMbare’s most productive midfielder this season and it’s likely to be the same scenario this afternoon. Mudzingwa will be the Bosso midfielder responsible of shadowing Chitiyo. Mudzingwa is in for a big assignment as it will not be easy to tracking down’s Chitiyo’s movements. The Bosso player is, however, blessed with great power and the work ethic of a mule. Mudzingwa is also has positional discipline and rarely ventures forward to support the attack unless during set plays. This will be important as it will help keep Chitiyo under check.
Partson Jaure v Charles Sibanda
The DeMbare captain rarely puts a foot wrong and today he will need to step up even further following the departure of goalkeeper George Chigova for South Africa. Jaure will have to lead from the back and make sure that Artwell Mukandi’s goal is well protected. The goalkeeper needs a confident booster after last weekend’s defeat to Hwange and he will have to rely on his captain to provide cover. Jaure will come up against the inform Bosso forward Charles Sibanda, who has been scoring for fan for the Bulawayo giants. Sibanda scored last weekend in the draw against Triangle and that goal will give him confidence of continuing with his scoring run this afternoon. The former FC Platinum striker now has five goals to his name this season.