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Ricky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE’S soccer giants Dynamos and Highlanders will clash in the final of the Bob90 Super Cup at Rufaro Stadium in Harare on March 16.
The country’s most followed clubs are squaring off for the second time in the competition meant to celebrate President Mugabe’s birthday who turned 90 on February 21.
Bulawayo giants Highlanders will be out to redeem themselves having lost to DeMbare in last year’s edition whose final was played over two legs by an embarrassing 6-1 aggregate scoreline.
Bosso lost the first leg 1-2 at Barbourfields Stadium getting their consolation from Beavan Chikaka while Dynamos got their goals from captain Tawanda Muparati and Patrick Khumbula.
In the reverse fixture, Highlanders had a forgetful outing as Dynamos clobbered them 4-0.
Next month’s clash will no doubt be explosive, with football fans getting a befitting belated birthday celebration for the President.
Organisers of the Bob90 Super Cup competition spiced up this year’s edition with Highlanders taking on Harare City who they beat 2-1 in the qualifying match to set a final date with DeMbare.
Charles Mabika, a member of the tournament’s organising committee confirmed the final date and said more details will be availed in due course.
“The date for the Bob90 Super Cup is March 16 and football lovers are in for a treat as Dynamos and Highlanders will meet at Rufaro Stadium.
“We are looking forward to a great final and it is our hope that soccer lovers will come in their numbers to celebrate our President’s birthday in style.
“Other information related to prizemoney will be revealed in due course,” Mabika said.
For winning last year’s final, Dynamos took home a cool $100,000 with Bosso pocketing $70,000.
It is likely that winners of the competition will get more than what was tabled last year.
Besides the monetary value associated with winning the competition, pride is at stake for both set of players with Highlanders wanting to avenge Dynamos’ dominance over them in recent years.
Both clubs have been busy in the transfer market, strengthening their squads.
Bulawayo giants Highlanders have also managed to attract 10 quality players in the form of Kudakwashe Mahachi who is on loan from South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns, Khumbulani Banda (How Mine) the trio of Joel Ngodzo, Welcome Ndiweni and striker Charles Sibanda from FC Platinum.
Attacking midfielder Valentine Ndaba joined Bosso from Shabanie Mine with winger Rahman Kutsanzira retracing his footsteps back to the club from Caps United while striker Mkhululi Dube came from New West City.
Goalkeeper Njabulo Nyoni and Felix Chindungwe complete the list of players that have been signed by Bosso having turned out for Chicken Inn last season.
They have also retained the core of their last season squad among them goalkeeper Munyaradzi Diya, skipper Innocent Mapuranga, Erick Mudzingwa, Mthulisi Maphosa, national team duo of Peter “Rio” Moyo and Milton Ncube and their 2013 best player Bruce Kangwa.
Defending champions Dynamos have during the season’s break managed to lure defender Themba Ndlovu from Buffaloes, defensive midfielder Walter Mukanga (Triangle), Masimba Mambare from rivals Highlanders, Ronald Chitiyo (Monomotapa) and Tafadzwa Rusike (club less).
Mambare will be facing his former paymasters for the first time since making a sensational switch last month.
Going into the final, Dynamos have an advantage over Highlanders as they are competing in the more demanding Caf Champions League where they have played tough opponents.
Highlanders on the other hand are relying on friendly matches and will use this weekend’s CG Msipa Charity tournament to work on their squad’s combinations.
After this, Bosso have a week to slot another competitive friendly match.
Online Reporter