We respect Yadah, but we don’t fear them: Dzoro backs Deportivo underdogs to bite back

Deportivo La Murambinda FC head coach Lovemore Dzoro says the pressure is on Yadah FC, not his team, ahead of their Zifa Munhumutapa Challenge Cup third round tie at Heart Stadium on Saturday.

“Log leaders plus cup favourites means they have got a target on their back. That’s pressure they carry, not us,” Dzoro told Fanzone.

The two Pacific Storm Eastern Region Soccer League title rivals meet again. Last time at Heart Stadium in the league, Yadah won 1-0. This time it’s knockout football.

The winner joins Destiny Stars FC, Green Fuel FC and Buffaloes FC in the next round. Division One, Division 2 and Premier Soccer League teams enter there.

Yadah beat Tenax CS FC 2-0 to reach this stage. Deportivo took a harder route. They drew 1-1 with Africa Mineral Ventures FC at Vengere Stadium, then won 4-3 on penalties.

Dzoro’s game plan is simple. Stay compact, hit fast.

“We need to stay compact without the ball trying to protect the central and half channels where they are more dangerous. Transition is our weapon. Underdogs win cup on moments.”

He’s told his players not to wait for Yadah.

“I keep telling my boys that Yadah are on top of the league over 12 games. Saturday is 90 minutes. We won’t wait for permission, we are second because we are brave, aggressive and we fight. Yadah are content because they control the tempo and recycle well in the middle but we will capitalise on the space they leave in the channel between CB and Fullbacks since their full backs fly mostly.”

For Dzoro, the cup can fuel the league chase.

“To be honest league games is a priority. 38 games shows who you are but Cup football writes history. Beating the log leaders builds confidence in the dressing room. That momentum carries into the league games after. So, we are not sacrificing the league for the cup but we’re using the cup to fuel the league. Winning the cup will raise our belief then we go back to chasing the league. He finished with one line.

“Underdogs with a plan beats favourites with pressure.” Yadah sit top with 27 points from 11 games. Deportivo are second on 24 from 12. Both want silverware. Only one leaves Heart Stadium still in the cup.

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