Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze
Zimpapers Sports Hub
HISTORY will be made in the Harare Derby when the big clash will be superintended by two Zambian coaches for the first time in its history.
CAPS United will host Dynamos at Rufaro in a battle which, given relegation consequences, could turn into a very special one.
It will also be a special occasion for the two Zambian coaches in charge of the Harare giants − Ian Bakala (CAPS United) and Kelvin Kaindu (Dynamos).
Kaindu has transformed DeMbare since he took over and has given them a reason to dream they can escape the chop and even win silverware in the Chibuku Super Cup.
Bakala has turned himself into an expert who knows how to beat the giants of the game after victories over Highlanders and FC Platinum and an emotional win over Scottland.
He also led CAPS United to a 1-1 draw in his first Derby.
Of course, it can’t be a Derby without Denver Mukamba who has played for both sides.
He even scored for the Green Machine against DeMbare.
“Playing the Harare Derby in CAPS United colours is one of the major highlights of my career, the picture is still clear in my mind,” he said.
“But the goal I scored that day left me carrying a burden.
“From that day, I still feel that I owe Dynamos and this time, because a lot is at stake, I need to repay that debt by scoring for Dynamos.”
This Sunday at Rufaro, Mukamba finally gets his chance.
He is in sparkling form, having scored the winner in Dynamos’ dramatic 3-2 victory over a star studded Scottland side and helping spark an eight-match unbeaten run since rejoining during the mid-season break.
Fans have quickly warmed back to “Mundikumbuke”, flocking to see the 2012 Soccer Star of the Year paint pictures with every touch.
“I am fully invested and self-motivated in training, and so are all of my mates because this game means everything to us,” he said.
“It is unfortunate for the Green Machine that we had to meet at a time when we are just three points away from a massive leap out of relegation… we are out for points and bragging rights.”
Mukamba’s story is part beauty, part devil.
He burst onto the scene in 2011, dazzling with skill but also disappearing at will, earning a “bad boy” tag.
Yet every return was greeted with forgiven cheers, his brilliance easing any anger.
Lately he’s worked to shed that label, showing a steadier, more collected side.
This weekend’s clash is also about leadership.
“From my experience in previous derby games, matches of this magnitude are the best platform for any player to exhibit their talent and prove that they are gifted or even earn a chance to be drafted on the national team,” Mukamba said.
“On such games, you need not put yourself under any pressure but to play your heart out and be the best you can be.”
A man of few words but full of surprises, Mukamba promises to remind fans why he once ruled the league. On Sunday, he hopes to settle an old score, by putting CAPS United to the sword and giving Dynamos the gift of goals.
Mathew Masinge