Battle of Zimbabwe on today

in the Independence Trophy final at the National Sports Stadium and today the two giants meet again in what could be an explosive Premiership soccer battle at Barbourfields.
Highlanders won the Uhuru Cup 4-3 on penalties, but now they will be facing a wounded Dynamos on home turf.
Bosso are going into the tie with the bragging rights but they are also aware that there is the added pressure of playing at home.
The last time Highlanders managed to beat Dynamos in a league match was in July 2006 when they won 2-0 after having won the earlier fixture 1-0 at Gwanzura.
Since then, Bosso had been coming second best to Dynamos in both the league and cup games until they got it right during this year’s Independence Trophy final.
Highlanders coach Mkhupali Masuku was excited by winning that match but said they will have a new game plan for Dynamos in today’s league match.
On Saturday, Highlanders beat Gunners 2-1 at Lafarge with Njabulo Ncube scoring a brace that ensured maximum points for the Bulawayo side.
At the other end of the city, Dynamos were firing blanks as they drew 0-0 with Hwange at Rufaro and pressure is now mounting for coach Lloyd Mutasa to avoid another defeat against Highlanders.
Four key Dynamos players are doubtful starters ahead of today’s Castle Lager Premiership clash at Barbourfields but the Glamour Boys coach Mutasa said he will not be looking for excuses.
Mutasa said Thomas Magorimbo, Guthrie Zhokinyi, Dominic Benati and Milton Makopa are doubtful for the game.
Magorimbo was injured during a mid-week clash against FC Platinum while Zhokinyi was injured during the game against Hwange.
Defender Zhokinyi limped off after 26 minutes while defensive linkman Makopa picked up a knock during the cup game.
“We have about four players who have some knocks.
“These are doubtful but, like I have said before, we have quite a pool of players to use.
“We will field the strongest possible squad,” said Mutasa.
Mutasa is aware of the pressure on his side but is also drawing confidence in playing “far from the madding crowd” at Rufaro.
Dynamos are likely to keep faith in veteran goalkeeper Washington Arubi while Augustine Mbara will play in the leftback position with David Kutyauripo on the right.
George Magariro looks set to play in the heart of defence while Gift Bello could be called in to replace the injured Zhokinyi.
While Dynamos missed the midfield trio of Archie Gutu, Devon Chafa and Denver Mukamba in the cup game against Bosso, the players are back in the squad and will try to give Rodrick Mutuma and Martin Vengesayi a clean supply of balls upfront.
Highlanders are likely to keep the same team that won their last two games with Lovemore Makwavarara keeping goals as Gilbert Banda, Gift Lunga, Innocent Mapuranga and Lawson Nkomo provide cover.
Bosso are expected to throw in Arnold Majaivana Tshuma, Rahman Kutsanzira and Eric Mudzingwa for the midfield duels while bustling forwards Ncube and Vincent Nzombe will search for the goals.
However, Bosso skipper Banda advises his troops to avoid complacency even after winning the last time against Dembare.
“We do not have to keep thinking about that.
“We are facing Dynamos on Monday, so it’s still game on and we have to maintain consistency,” said Banda.
Banda has every reason to be fearful for Dynamos have been dominating them at Barbourfields over the past four years.
However, big matches such as these hardly go according to the form book and could end up being such boring encounters as both teams try hard to avoid making mistakes.
In their last meeting at Barbourfields, Dynamos were leading 2-1 before some hooligan elements forced the match to end two minutes into injury-time.
A PSL disciplinary committee later gave Dynamos a 3-0 ruling while Dynamos had beaten Bosso in another ill-fated BancABC Sup8r semi-final.
Dynamos won the first meeting 1-0 last year while in 2009 Dembare beat Bosso 4-0 and 1-0 over the two legs.
In 2008, the league clashes ended in 1-1 draws while Dynamos had won 2-1 in 2007 before a 0-0 in the reverse tie.
In the other Premiership games today, Motor Action host Shabanie Mine at Motor Action Sports Club.
The Mighty Bulls still licking their wounds after a 2-0 defeat to Shooting Stars.
At the Colliery, Hwange host Monomotapa while the game between FC Platinum and Gunners has been cancelled following the death of FC Platinum coach Benjamin Moyo on Friday.
Fixtures
Today
Highlanders v Dynamos (BF), Motor Action v Shabanie (Motor Action Sports Club), Hwange v Monoz (Colliery), Masvingo v Kiglon (Mucheke).