The Herald (Harare) Published by the government of Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe: Chuchu's Battle Cry

Harare — DYNAMOS coach Elvis "Chuchu" Chiweshe is rallying his troops to use their vast experience and bounce back from the nightmare of losing to little Kiglon, to beat leaders Gunners in the Super Sunday Showdown at Rufaro and take control of the CBZ Premiership campaign.

Gunners -- with a two-point advantage over Dynamos with as many games to play -- must win the classic Harare Derby to seal their maiden championship title in their short dance with the Premiership.

The game has already been billed the biggest league match of the season with the home team on the day, Gunners, responding by hiking the entry charges for the rest of the ground to US$5.

Fans normally pay US$3 to watch a domestic league encounter.

After their shock 3-2 defeat by Kiglon at the same venue last Sunday, Dynamos have found themselves under immense pressure to rescue their campaign and ensure they do not sensationally fall from grace and end up in third place.

Should DeMbare fail to win against both Gunners and Shooting Stars, whom they meet in their last assignment, and third-placed CAPS United overcome Underhill and Motor Action, Chiweshe's men will find themselves in third place.

Chiweshe, however, chose to focus on the gripping title battle against Gunners first and declared that he has experienced troops in his squad to withstand the heat at Rufaro.

The former Dynamos midfielder believes that both DeMbare and Gunners play a similar type of game, but felt his charges would have the edge "because of the higher number of seasoned players we have".

"If I look at my players, three-quarters of them have been involved in tougher battles before and that experience can make the difference and that is why I have decided to use the seasoned players," said Chiweshe.

"I think the reason why this game is like 90 minutes of hell is because it has a bearing in deciding the championship in that if we lose, Gunners will be champions.

"The game becomes more challenging for us because we are second, behind them, but it is nothing new to my guys. We have enough seasoned players who can do the job and also encourage the youngsters that we have in the team.

"Basically there are two players who we might say are inexperienced and that is Milton Makopa and Augustine Mbara, but they are fighters and they have been doing well and that is why I have so much confidence in them."

Chuchu also believes his team has remained united despite the boardroom problems rocking Dynamos torched by the fallout between club chairman Partson Moyo and secretary-general Stan Kasukuwere.

"I think we are focused and this is the time for this team to show their true character. Our matches against Highlanders in Bulawayo, in Hwange and in Mutare were very tough games, but we managed to pull through," said Chiweshe.

"Of course, I was not happy that we failed to defend our lead twice against Kiglon. We had never conceded three goals since I took over, but it happened on Sunday and this shows that no Dynamos game is ever easy. I think it was also a wake-up call for us".

Chiweshe also challenged his Class of 2009 to prove they can play in any kind of atmosphere.

"I have told the players that if they are to be intimidated by Sunday's game, then we have no business playing in Africa. Some of these players have been to more intimidating places like Tunisia, Egypt, Cameroon and the DRC and they know what is expected of them," said Chuchu.

"I have also been telling them that the turning points were the 1-0 wins in Hwange, Mutare and at Highlanders and now it is their chance to win the league and avoid disappointing everyone including themselves."

Despite brimming with confidence, Chiweshe acknowledged that Gunners would give them a tough afternoon and pointed to their previous meetings with Moses Chunga's men, which he said had not been easy.

"Normally I believe in an open game, but this is going to be a very tough match and we have to use that single chance that comes our way. Who knows, it might be a game of few chances?" said Chiweshe.

"We beat them in the league and in the cup and hopefully it will be the same situation on Sunday. Gunners play the same as we do, but now it is about man-for-man and who has the upper hand on the day.

"I am also appealing to the referees to handle these matches well and they must understand that these players' livelihoods depend on football so we wouldn't want a situation where referees have to take the blame for spoiling football -- referees are important stakeholders in football. "

With skipper Desmond Maringwa and his deputy Reuben Mhlanga sidelined by tendon and knee injuries, Chiweshe has handed the captain's armband to right-back Brighton Tuwaya.

The former Lancashire Steel captain has been the most consistent defender in the Premiership this season.

Tuwaya -- who joined DeMbare at the start of last year and played a crucial role in their Champions League campaign -- declared that he would "die on the pitch to make sure we win the league".

"Personally I am looking forward to my first championship medal and winning it with Dynamos will be a great achievement. That is my dream and for me to fulfil that dream I have to work extra hard," Tuwaya said.

The unassuming 27-year-old defender revealed that

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Chuchu's Battle Cry

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the Dynamos players had this week reflected on their defeat by Kiglon and vowed to avoid another loss in their remaining matches.

"Against Kiglon we blew our chances in the first half and we paid for our lack of concentration, but we have been working hard on our mistakes and we promise it be will be a different story against Gunners.

"As players we have had a chance to discuss last Sunday's match against Gunners and everyone is ready for the challenge and I am positive we can win it," Tuwaya said.

Chiweshe might be without Maringwa and Mhlanga, but the coach will welcome back striker Phillip Marufu who missed the defeat to Kiglon as he was mourning the death of his mother.

Marufu is one of a cast of seasoned players who include strike partner Cuthbert Malajila, Benjamin Marere, Eddie Mashiri, Carrington Gomba, Mtshumayeli Moyo, Ephraim Mazarura, Evans Gwekwerere, Lloyd Hlahla, Lovemore Maphuya, William Mapfumo and Tuwaya, who are at Chiweshe's disposal.

Fixtures:

Tomorrow:

Shooting Stars v Njube Sundowns (Rufaro)

Saturday:

Eagles v Bantu Rovers (Rudhaka); Lengthens v Hwange (Dzivaresekwa); Monomotapa v Motor Action (Rufaro)

Sunday:

Highlanders v Kiglon (Barbourfields); Gunners v Dynamos (Rufaro); Highway v Black Rhinos (Sakubva)

Monday:

CAPS United v Underhill (Rufaro)


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