Ndobolo midfielder Wonder Sithole is eyeing a repeat of last week’s sensational victory over Dynamos when the teams clash in the quarter-final of the BancABC Sup8r Cup at Gibo this Sunday. Sithole, who was released by Dynamos last year,scored the opening goal which inspired the army side to a remarkable 3-2 victory, to end the Dynamos’ 20-match unbeaten run that stretched from 2012. But as they prepare for another battle on neutral ground, the talented midfielder said they had the capacity of scoring a double but refused to get carried away by results from the previous encounter. “It’s not about me or any other player. We play as a team and we are all at the moment focused on progressing to the next level of this tournament,” said Sithole. “We have to realise that this is a completely new game in a different competition. Anything can happen. “Dynamos are a very difficult team to beat when it comes to cup competitions but the most important thing is that we should be prepared for them.” Buffaloes, under new coach Timothy Masachi, were not only the first team to beat Dynamos this year but they were also the first team that managed to score more than two goals since Callisto Pasuwa took over two years ago. However, the Mutare outfit went on to lose their next match 4-2 to lowly Tripple B last Sunday, which left many guessing whether the victory over DeMbare at Sakubva was a fluke. With DeMbare obviously plotting revenge and venting their fury with a 3-0 demolition of How Mine at Rufaro, Sithole said Buffaloes will have to be at their best again. Unlike Dynamos, who have been struggling with injuries, Watungwa Watungwa are hoping to have a clean bill of health in their camp. Sithole said the morale in their camp was high. “Of course, as a team we are looking forward to the match. Our fans have confidence in us since we beat them (Dynamos) last week,” said Sithole. “This game will be played on a neutral venue where Dynamos will obviously have more supporters than us. “It’s difficult to tell how the next game will turn out. I cannot predict results but usually it’s how the players perform on the day which determines the outcome. “Dynamos are the biggest team in the domestic Premiership and that alone is big motivation for any team playing against them.” DeMbare continued with their preparations yesterday and were boosted by the return of defender Partson Jaure and Francesco Zekumbawira who have been battling with injuries. The match will be played after the clash between Motor Action and Monomotapa in a rare double header treat for Chiredzi fans this weekend. Premier Soccer League chief executive Kenny Ndebele confirmed the cheapest ticket for the double-header will remain at US$3 for the rest of the ground. Chicken Inn and Shabanie Mine will get the ball rolling at Mandava this afternoon while Highlanders and FC Platinum battle it out in the second match at Mucheke tomorrow. Highlanders are hoping to recover from a recent slump in form as they desperately need to bounce back to winning ways after losing their last two league games against Chicken Inn and CAPS United. Bosso coach Kevin Kaindu yesterday said Highlanders, whose trophy cabinet is crying out for some big silverware, have set their sights on the BancABC Super Cup although he anticipates a tough contest from ambitious side FC Platinum. “We are looking forward to the game and everyone is inspired to play his part,” said the Zambian coach. “But Cup games are always different from league games because there has to be one winner at the end of the day. “So, it’s about preparing for it and the better team on the day will win.” Highlanders, who have been plagued by injuries, were yesterday still monitoring both goalkeepers Ariel Sibanda and Munyaradzi Diya who are top on the injury list dominated by key players. Midfield hardman Mthulisi Maphosa, Peter Moyo, in- form Milton Ncube and defender Innocent Mapuranga will also have to pass a fitness test. “Right now the preparations are going on very well. Of course, there are injury worries here and there but we still have another full day of training and we will see how it goes,” said Kaindu. The tournament has returned this year with more at stake as winners will pocket US$120 000 while US $50 000 has been reserved for the losing finalists. The teams that make it to the semi-final stage will get US$20 000 and those that fall this weekend receive US$12 000. Fixtures Today: Chicken Inn v Shabanie (Mandava) Tomorrow: FC Platinum v Highlanders (Mucheke 12:30pm) Sunday: Monoz v Motor Action (Gibo 12:30pm), Dynamos v Buffaloes (Gibo 3pm) WATUNGWA WATUNGWA NYATI HAYISI MOMBE (Herald)
Posted on: Fri, 28 Jun 2013 04:54:43 +0000
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