HARARE Premier Soccer League (PSL) leaders Dynamos lock horns with Njube Sundowns in the Nestle Champion of Champions Charity Shield semi-final, set for Bulawayos Barbourfields Stadium today.Glittering with the glamour that comes with leading the pack in the 16-team league, Dynamos march onto the field expecting nothing short of victory to book a place in the finals against city rivals, CAPS United.
Despite facing Philani Ncubes struggling side in Bulawayo, the Harare giants will not consider themselves the away team. Assistant coach Tonderai Ndiraya believes Barbourfields has always been one of their favourite hunting grounds.
We are comfortable with playing there, I believe there is not much pressure at Barbourfieds and we should perform well this weekend, Ndiraya said. Reigning coach of the year, Ncube, admitted to The Zimbabwean on Sunday that the departure of 2008 top goal scorer Evans Chikwaikwai has left his side handicapped.
The former Sundowns striker signed for South Africas Bidvest Wits a fortnight ago.
His (Chikwaikwai) absence has affected us and we are still trying to cope without him. The players are low, they lack the motivation and we are doing our best in seeing they get motivated. We will work out a plan to get things moving again, he said.
Although Sundowns are currently part of the tail end of the PSL log table, Dynamos will be advised not to underestimate them and will need to raise their game after their lifeless show in the goalless draw against Black Rhinos, last Wednesday.
The army side who are struggling in the league ambushed the high-flying DeMbare and with a bit of luck could have upset their highly-fancied opponents. The winner in todays semi-final will meet CAPS United in the final set for Rufaro, next Sunday.
Post published in: Football