Dynamos fight to ease relegation worries

BULAWAYO Chiefs will be without dependable defender Andrew Tandi when they take on Dynamos in a must-win Castle Lager Premier Soccer League encounter to ease their Tandi is among the five players suspended for today's matches for accumulating three yellow cards each.

The other players set to miss Match Day 28 are Herentals' Prince Tafiremutsa, Ben Nyahunzwi of Chicken Inn, Harare City's Takudzwa Chimwemwe and Nichrut defence stalwart Themba Ndlovu.

Winless in four consecutive games, with their last victory recorded on August 22 when they beat visiting Mutare City Rovers 3-2, Chiefs will be hoping to produce a shocker and claim the giant scalp of Dynamos.

Chiefs' coach Garthly Chipuka said: "It's unfortunate that we have to make some changes, but that's all part of the game. We are going to fight for a positive result. We are not in a safe place and we have to make sure that we concentrate throughout the game and take chances that come our way."

Chiefs and Dynamos are tied on 30 points, and just two points above Nichrut, who occupy the last relegation slot. A loss for either Chiefs or Dynamos will see them sinking deeper into the red zone in the event that Nichrut get maximum points at home against Harare City.

Chapungu are also on 30 points, while Yadah have 31 points and will also be hoping that Harare City hold or beat Nichrut so that they stay above the Shurugwi-based side. Chapungu have a tough tie against Chicken Inn at Luveve Stadium.

Chicken Inn were inactive last weekend when other teams took part in the Chibuku Super Cup and with fresh legs, they are likely to give Chapungu a good run.

"The problem we've had throughout the season has been inconsistent performances. We spent last week recovering and the guys are raring to go. We just want to finish the season strongly," said Chicken Inn coach Joey Antipas.

Yadah take on a Highlanders' side that will feature fringe players. With Bosso resting key players in preparation for a potentially energy sapping away game to Caps United, Yadah will have to be watchful of the fringe players eager to prove to Highlanders' coach Madinda Ndlovu that they deserve to play regularly. Highlanders, winless in two successive league games, have set a top four finish target.

Defending champions FC Platinum have a tricky away encounter against Triangle United, who are seeking a top four finish.

Triangle United are fourth on the table with 45 points and coach Tawurayi Mangwiro is determined to stop the champions and throw the race open.

"I would have loved to meet FC Platinum at a time when we are within touching distance in terms of the championship race, but that's no longer the case. However, there is a possibility of us finishing within the top-four, which gives us something to play for," said Mangwiro.

FC Platinum are five points ahead of second-placed Ngezi Platinum Stars, who have amassed 57 points from 27 games. Ngezi, just like FC Platinum, have a tricky home game against Caps United.

Fixtures

Today:

Mutare City Rovers v ZPC Kariba (Vengere),
Chicken Inn v Chapungu (Luveve),
Nichrut v Harare City (Ascot),
Herentals v Black Rhinos (National Sports Stadium),
Shabanie Mine v Bulawayo City (Maglas),
Ngezi Platinum Stars v Caps United (Baobab),
Triangle United v FC Platinum (Gibbo),
Highlanders v Yadah (Barborfields),
Dynamos v Bulawayo Chiefs (Rufaro)