Dynamos boosted ahead of GU tie

MQONDISI DUBE
Staff Writer | Wednesday April 21, 2010 00:00

 

While GU has been misfiring on the domestic front, Dynamos celebrated a sweet 2-0 victory over bitter rivals, Highlanders, in the final of the Independence Cup in Harare.

Although both sides rested several first team players, Dynamos would be happy with the outcome as they prepare to face GU at the refurbished 60,000-seater National Sports Stadium. Dynamos are used to playing most of their home matches at Rufaro Stadium, largely acknowledged as the shrine of Zimbabwe soccer. The giant National Sports Stadium, built in 1987, was closed for renovations and was re-opened two weeks ago. De Mbare, as the Harare glamour club is affectionately known, has a good record in African football. They reached the Champions League final in 1998, losing to ASEC Mimosa of Abidjan.

Coached by former player, Elvis 'Chuchu' Chiweshe, Dynamos do not exactly play pretty football but are effective and result-oriented.

Their workman-like victory against FC Lupopo of DRC in the first round is testimony to this.

GU has flair players who can pass the ball but this Sunday, they come up against a Dynamos side that possess speed and physique.

Chiweshe believes his boyhood side has a chance to progress to the money-spinning group phase.

His team beat the Chinese Under-19 team as part of their preparations before the victory over Highlanders. He told Mmegi Sport through phone yesterday that his injury worry so far is defender, David Kutyauripo who got a knock during the game against the Chinese.

He admitted that he knows little about GU although he once watched them on Botswana Television (Btv). 'I watched them on Btv but that is inadequate as every game is a new game.

We expect to use home-ground advantage and win,' he said.

GU would not be intimidated by Dynamos' record in CAF competitions after they ousted former African champions, Orlando Pirates. The Gaborone side has a well-travelled mentor in David Bright and his acumen on the bench would be critical.

Compared to Dynamos, GU should be match fit as the Zimbabwe season only started last weekend.