Eddie Chikamhi
Senior Sports Reporter
IS this the league championship decider?
Should leaders Ngezi Platinum Stars win this game at the National Sports Stadium this afternoon, then the title will virtually be theirs.
However, they face the ultimate beast, Dynamos, who will be without one of their star players Tanaka Shandirwa, through injury.
Defender Elvis Moyo is also a doubtful starter due to a muscle knock.
“It’s unfortunate Tanaka failed a fitness test, and as it stands, he is out of tomorrow’s (today’s) game,” said DeMbare coach Genesis Mangombe.
“He has a back injury. The doctors are monitoring him. Our left-back Elvis Moyo, as well, has a muscle problem, but we will hear more from the medical team.
“Of course, any coach would want to have all his players available for selection in every game, but we have registered 30 players and I believe we have the personnel who can also do the job well.”
Dynamos had requested the PSL to move the game to 6pm kick-off, but the authorities were not convinced by the Glamour Boys’ appeal after they could not provide guarantees, including back-up for possible power outage.
The match will start at 3pm.
DeMbare chief executive, Jonathan Mashingaidze, said the request to play under the lights was driven by the need to enhance attendance and boost club coffers.
The cheapest ticket has been pegged at U$2.
“Ngezi Platinum Stars are enjoying good form, and they are at the top of the table, but we are ready for the game.
“The good thing about our boys is that they have been responding well to the philosophy of the passing game that we want to play,” said Mangombe.
Ngezi coach Takesure Chiragwi was in a fine mood ahead of the short trip to Harare.
“To us, this is a game just like any other that we have played this season,” he said.
“Looking at how we have prepared for this game, we are going out there expecting to win.
“But, winning doesn’t come easy because we are facing a team that is highly-organised, a team that also wants to win.”