HARARE - Dynamos midfielder Masimba Mambare has expressed displeasure of missing the clash against his former club Highlanders at the National Sports Stadium this afternoon.
Mambare hogged the limelight during the off-season transfer window when he dumped Bosso for bitter rivals DeMbare at the start of the year.
The move raised tensions between the two clubs and the midfielder was branded a ‘traitor’ by the Highlanders faithful.
Mambare has, however, not featured for DeMbare since April after picking up a knee injury in the Independence Cup semi-final win over Harare City.
That injury has side-lined Mambare and he will not feature in today’s match against his former paymasters.
“I have wanted to be part of the team but unfortunately I will have to watch from the sidelines,” Mambare told Daily News on Sunday.
“It’s one of those matches every player wants to take part. There is always next time though.
“I am very sad and disappointed that I will not be playing. It is not nice missing such an important fixture for your team. I however believe there are other capable players who can do a great job.
“These things happen in football. Injuries are part and parcel of the game and hopefully I will be back soon in the side for the following matches.”
The Warriors forward dumped Highlanders to join the Zimbabwe champions on a three year deal ahead of their participation in the African Champions League.
Mambare was settling well into the DeMbare line-up before the injury. The former Motor Action midfielder scored for the Glamour Boys on his competitive debut when he netted in the 3-0 win over Botswana side Mochudi Centre Chiefs in the first leg of the preliminary round qualifier of the African Champions League.
He followed that goal with another against Highlanders in the 2-0 win in the final of the Bob 90 Super Cup final.
Although he will not be on the pitch, Mambare tipped his teammates to come out tops in today’s match.
“Dynamos have a big chance to win. They have a lot of good players as compared to Highlanders. There is that winning mentality which you don’t find at most the teams,” he said.
Dynamos go into today’s match after last weekend’s 1-0 defeat at the hands of Hwange at the Colliery.
Scoring seems to be DeMbare’s Achilles heel this season and if they are to retain the title the team needs its forwards Washington Pakamisa, Patrick Khumbula, Anesu Gondo and Simba sithole to start firing on all cylinders.