Chunga seeks to break jinx, make history

MOSES Chunga has set his sights on becoming the first Harare City coach to register a win over Dynamos in a Premiership tie when the two sides meet in a derby clash at Rufaro on Sunday.

In the five years that the Sunshine Boys have been in the top-flight, they have not beaten DeMbare in a league assignment.

Their only success over Dynamos came last year when then coach Taurai Mangiwro guided them to victory in the Chibuku Super Cup Trophy at the National Sports Stadium.

Chunga is, however, determined to end their poor league run against Dynamos. He is confident they will emerge winners in the latest derby.

"We have only beaten DeMbare in a Cup game so we are looking for that league victory and make some history.

"It would be great that Bambo becomes the first Harare coach to beat Dynamos in a league game," said Chunga.

Ahead of the Sunday's match, Chunga challenged his players to go out and enjoy themselves and said he was not doing much as the players should be motivated enough to play in a derby.

The Sunshine Boys have been an inconsistent lot.

"I want to believe it is up to the players. We have been preparing for the derby, but in such matches the players know they have to perform and go that extra mile," said Chunga.

Chunga said he is not reading much into the opposition's camp as his camp have also been rocked by in-house problems "so it is a matter of troubled souls clashing at Rufaro''.

The well-travelled coach has not been in good books with some senior players lately, resulting in former ZPC Kariba midfielder Raphael Manuvire wanting to quit the Sunshine Boys.

But Chunga's house seems to be in tranquil following the return of Manuvire to training last week.

The player's fallout with the coach has been resolved and the midfielder has since apologised to his mentor.

Other key players - goalkeeper Tafadzwa Dube, midfielder Edwin Madhananga and defender Themba Ndlovu - had already buried the hatchet with the coach.

Chunga said he believes Manuvire is the best midfielder in the league, but was only having problems with his work rate and ethic.

He is confident that he will make a difference in his squad.

"He was very lazy, but has reformed and seen the light. I told him the truth that he is the best ball passer in the whole league and is one player who can change the game in a flick, but I also want to see him shadow-marking and making good runs off the ball.

"I understand that players have their egos, but I am glad his work rate has changed.

"Rifts are there, but we have managed the situation," said Chunga.

Manuvire said he was frustrated by lack of game time, but he is now focused.

He has set himself to do well for the remainder of the season.

"Things are now okay.

"As a player you are bound to make mistakes.

"I was frustrated at lack of game time, but I had time to reflect.

"Now I will do whatever the coach wants me to do. If the coach feels that I should play that's it and if he feels that I should not be in the team I should be okay with it.

"I am not rusty, I have been training for one week and I am ready for Dynamos if I am selected to play.

"We don't have pressure and maybe it is them who have some pressure as results have also not been coming their way.

"We are working on playing consistently and I feel that we tend to relax after we win one match," said Manuvire.