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PICTURE this in the new season: 2008 Caf Champions League semi-finalists Dynamos drooling from the sidelines — as the continent’s best strut their stuff — after failing to qualify for either of Africa’s two premier club competitions.
Not that the Glamour Boys have a divine right to be Zimbabwe’s representatives in international football, but after assuming a reputation-of-sorts as one of African football’s big boys, to miss big league action in 2009 would certainly not sit right with their big ego. Purists believe the CBZ Premiership championship is still a toss-up between DeMbare and surprise package Monomotapa, but the fact Norman Mapeza’s charges are showing no signs of slowing down their relentless drive towards domestic football’s biggest prize should be enough reason to start sounding the alarm bells at Dynamos. Yet DeMbare could do well to borrow from a popular insurance advert, that it’s not only the coward who runs for cover by having Plan B in place, if the African campaign trail is the ultimate goal next year. And that alternative route to continental football is certainly through the CBZ FA Cup, in which DeMbare face city rivals Caps United in the semi-finals at Rufaro Stadium this afternoon. And suddenly, this derby — which critics believe has since lost its soul due to a combination of factors, among them lack of quality players — has become much more than a mere battle for pride and the US$70 000 winners’ price at stake. The Green Machine are having a forgettable season in which they are fighting for their very Premiership life. Their Cup Kings tag is now but a mockery and Kepekepe find themselves languishing in 10th place on the 16-team Premiership log, with just six matches to go. But after bagging the ABC Sup8r a place in Africa next year via a second trophy, the CBZ FA Cup, would go a long way in placating restive fans clearly not amused with the team’s fall from grace. Caps’ assistant coach Newsome Mathema says the entire team knows the FA Cup is their last chance of salvaging a savaged reputation. "The entire team knows our only hope of playing in Africa is this Cup, so they are really focused on doing well," Mathema said, adding United were injury free. "Obviously Caps United can’t qualify for the Champions League next year, but the Confederation Cup is there for the taking. Sunday’s match against Dynamos is a final before a final, with the ultimate being playing in continental football." Dynamos midfield kingpin Justice Majabvi insists the champions are not pressing the panic button, yet. "It is every player’s dream to be in the Champions League, and at Dynamos, we had become used to the big stage. That is why we are not even thinking about not being in it next season, although we have been honest about the current situation where Monomotapa are also gunning for the same competition. But we have to utilize each and every game, and not put ourselves under unnecessary pressure. "We will play our normal game, the way we have always done, and that includes the cup game against Caps United on Sunday," said Majabvi, who sat out Thursday’s morning training session with a foot injury. He expects to be fit for today’s blood-and-thunder showdown. Matches pitting the two giants have always been hard-fought contests, and with so much at stake, today’s tie looks set to be a real war. By Lloyd Mutungamiri
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