Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
“MALAJILA destroys Bosso”.
That was the headline splashed across the back page of The Herald on Monday April 27, 2009, the morning after Dynamos tore Highlanders apart 4-0 at Rufaro Stadium in one of the most ruthless editions of the Battle of Zimbabwe.
Cuthbert Malajila scored a hat-trick and Philip Marufu added the fourth as Dynamos swept aside their fiercest rivals in a result that instantly lifted caretaker coach Elvis “Chuchu” Chiweshe, who had been appointed only three days earlier after David “Yogi” Mandigora was removed following a poor run.
Seventeen years later, that afternoon still stands out, as Dynamos have not scored four goals against Highlanders in a league match since.
Time has moved on for everyone connected to the fixture.
Witness Shave, now pushing for a place in the Dynamos attack, was only two years old that day.
Dynamos star Stanley Billiat, expected to draw the loudest cheers when the rivals meet again at Rufaro today, was six.
Highlanders forward Prince Ndlovu had barely turned three.
The names have changed, but the memories of Rufaro’s loudest derby afternoons still hang over the rivalry.
There were more.
On October 16, 2011, Dynamos again enjoyed the better afternoon at the same venue when they beat Highlanders 3-1.
Roderick Mutuma struck twice before Martin Vengesayi sealed the win.
Eric Mudzingwa had given Bosso an early lead before the match slipped away.
That Dynamos side carried serious attacking weight. David Kutyauripo, Cuthbert Malajila, Archford Gutu, Thomas Magorimbo, Denver Mukamba and Devon Chafa were all in the starting 11.
Another dramatic chapter arrived on June 28, 2015 when the derby produced five goals. Dynamos edged Highlanders 3-2 in a game that swung wildly.
Knox Mutizwa opened the scoring for Bosso before Ronald “Rooney” Chitiyo hit a first half brace for Dynamos.
Mutizwa scored again after the break, but Qadr Amini struck the winner to settle a breathless contest. Mandigora’s Dynamos side that day included Tatenda Mkuruva, Obey Mwerahari, Augustine Mbara, Elisha Muroiwa, Ocean Mushure, Qadr Amini, Godknows Murwira, Masimba Mambare, Stephen Alimenda, Ronald Chitiyo and Dominic Chungwa.
Highlanders fielded Ariel Sibanda, Webster Chingodza, Honest Moyo, Eric Mudzingwa, Bruce Kangwa, Simon Munawa, Rahman Kutsanzira, King Nadolo, Eddie Muzanenhamo, Obadiah Tarumbwa and Knox Mutizwa.
The modern derby has looked very different.
Recent meetings between the giants have struggled to produce the fireworks that once defined this rivalry.
The last two clashes ended in draws and three of the past seven encounters finished goalless.
Dynamos coach Genesis “Kaka” Mangombe admits supporters expect entertainment whenever the two biggest clubs in Zimbabwe meet.
“This is the biggest fixture in the land, so fans always expect a thriller,” said Mangombe.
“Sometimes football does not give you what you want, but we will try our best to give supporters the kind of match they deserve.”
Dynamos arrive with confidence after a 2-1 opening weekend win over TelOne in Gweru.
Mangombe is hoping for attacking spark from a forward line that could feature Leeroy Mavhunga, Witness Shave, Elton Njini and Stanley Billiat.
Highlanders opened their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Bulawayo Chiefs and will look to Nigerian striker Benjamin Adeguon, new signing from Gwanda Pirates, together with Marvin Sibanda and the highly rated Prince Ndlovu to trouble the Dynamos defence.
Attacking midfielder Mongameli “Sole” Tshuma is expected to carry much of the creative burden for Benjani Mwaruwari’s side.
Mwaruwari admitted last week that his team found Bulawayo Chiefs difficult to break down and expects another demanding contest against a Dynamos backline marshalled by DR Congo defender Isaac Landu, alongside Tendaishe Magwaza and Clive Mandivei.
Recent numbers underline how tight the modern derby has become.
The last 10 league meetings between Dynamos and Highlanders have produced only 16 goals, an average of 1.6 per match.
Both clubs also face demanding fixtures once the derby dust settles.
Highlanders will go on to meet MWOS at home before travelling for a fixture against Simba Bhora, then hosting FC Platinum and visiting Scottland.
Dynamos are scheduled for a trip to face Bulawayo Chiefs before away matches against Agama and Simba Bhora, with home games against MWOS and FC Platinum also waiting before they travel to do battle with Scottland.
But first comes Rufaro again.
And another chance for the Battle of Zimbabwe to rediscover the roar that once shook the stadium.
