HARARE - Harare giants Dynamos face Bulawayo giants Highlanders in a potentially explosive Independence Trophy final today, hoping to erase the bitter memories of last year when they were beaten to the Uhuru Cup by Njube Sundowns. Dynamos lost 1-0 to Njube Sundowns who failed to defend their trophy after they were relegated to the unfashionable world of division one football. The Glamour Boys sealed a place in the final following a 4-3 victory over Gunners in the semi-final on Wednesday, while Bosso eliminated Bantu Rovers after a 2-0 win in another semi final at Barbourfields the same day.
Veteran goalkeeper Washington Arubi was the hero for the Harare giants in that semi-final with a spectacular save that secure Dynamos a ticket into the final.
Carrying an injury sustained during the game Arubi dived to his right to stop Ali Sadikis spot kick to ensure Dynamos clinched a tough tie that had to be decided on penalties. Sadiki wept as he lay on the turf as Dynamos who fielded a second string side celebrated their triumph. Dynamos coach Elvis Chiweshe rested the bulk of the players that have been playing regularly in the Champions League and threw in players like Phillip Sithole, Isaac Pitamuja, Matthew Mahala and Tawanda Ushe.
Former captain Murape Murape was the captain on the day and veteran Lloyd Hlahla was also recalled. Gunners, however, sent into battle their full strength side with only injured centre backs Trymore Mtisi and Daniel Veremu, being the only missing regulars. But, they still could not stop Dynamos from booking a date against perennial rivals, Highlanders. “We are going to use basically the same squad that played in the semi-final. We will rest some of the players who will play in the league and also in the African Champions League,” said Chiweshe last week.
Post published in: Zimbabwe Sports News