Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. RESURGENT Harare giants Dynamos FC face off against former champions Ngezi Platinum Stars in a crucial Castle Lager Premier Soccer League fixture as they continue the fight against relegation at Rufaro Stadium this afternoon.
With the season winding down to its final five matches, this 3pm kickoff represents a massive three points for both sides, albeit for vastly different reasons.
For the Glamour Boys, every single game is a cup final in their desperate fight to escape the unthinkable: relegation.
The most decorated club in the country currently occupies the last relegation spot, in 15th place with 32 points from 29 matches.
While 18th-placed Kwekwe United are already confirmed for the drop, three more clubs are set to follow, making Dynamos’ predicament all the more precarious.
The team, however, enters the match with a massive shot of confidence following the arrival of Zambian coach Kelvin Kaindu.
Under his guidance, DeMbare have transformed into one of the league’s most in-form sides, winning five of their last six matches.
The highlight of this resurgence was last week’s priceless 1-0 victory over city rivals Caps United in the fierce Harare derby, secured by a decisive second-half strike from striker Jaison Kasondo.
That win lifted the team from 17th to 15th, offering a glimmer of hope.
Speaking on the eve of the clash, a cautiously optimistic Kaindu acknowledged the magnitude of the encounter.
“I think the [derby] win has given us hope and confidence,” he said.
“We come again this week against former champions.
“It’s not going to be an easy game.
“They are also contesting for the championship, we are also trying to avoid relegation and these are the games that will be open.”
Indeed, their opponents, Ngezi Platinum Stars, are chasing glory at the other end of the table.
Sitting in fourth position with 50 points from 29 matches, the Mhondoro-Ngezi-based side is nine points behind log leaders Scottland FC, who won their match yesterday.
Ngezi are very much in the title race and are in superb form, boasting a nine-match unbeaten run that includes five wins and four draws.
Kaindu understands the pressure, but believes it can also make for a thrilling spectacle.
“I am sure that everyone will be going for maximum points and it makes the game even easier,” he said.
“Everyone is ready coming from winning a derby, but we don’t want to get carried away…
“We also want to boost our confidence such that before the international break, we will be far away from where we were.”
The importance of the home support at Rufaro cannot be overstated.
“We are playing at home and we are expecting our fans to come in their numbers and be the 12th player.
“We will try our best not to disappoint our fans because it’s been good to see them happy after a long time.”
This match pits a desperate, rejuvenated giant against a formidably consistent title challenger.
It is a defining moment for Dynamos — a chance to climb further away from the drop zone — and a vital step for Ngezi Platinum as they continue their late push for the championship.
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