Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THEY might be sitting in the middle of the log, but when Highlanders and Dynamos meet, form doesn’t matter. Pride does.
Sunday’s showdown at Barbourfields is not just another fixture, it’s Zimbabwe’s most storied rivalry. And for football analyst Dalu Bhebhe, this is still the country’s flagship match. “The two teams have had mixed fortunes,” said Bhebhe.
Dynamos, meanwhile, are in the middle of a quiet turnaround under Kelvin Kaindu. The Zambian coach has guided the Glamour Boys on a seven game unbeaten run, a stretch that has pulled them out of the relegation zone and into 14th place, just two points behind Bosso.
“Dynamos had a rough start, but Kaindu has brought belief back,” said Bhebhe. “People may look at the table and think this game doesn’t matter, but their struggles are exactly what make it so explosive. This remains the biggest fixture in Zimbabwean football.”
Kaindu’s return to Barbourfields adds emotional weight to the clash. It’s his first time back since leaving Highlanders in June, and he’ll walk into a cauldron filled with passion, history, and noise.
“The return to Barbourfields becomes emotional for him and the fans,” Bhebhe noted. “It sets up an exciting scenario for both sides.” Neither team is safe. Dynamos are tied on 33 points with Bikita Minerals, hovering dangerously close to the drop zone. Highlanders, under Dutch coach Pieter “Champ” de Jongh, also need a result to steady their campaign.
But as history has shown, once the whistle blows, the form book is thrown out. “We expect a full house and a carnival atmosphere,” said Bhebhe. “It’s going to be an exciting game.”
Meanwhile, the Premier Soccer League (PSL) has confirmed six suspensions for this weekend’s Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Match Day 31 fixtures. Defending champions Simba Bhora will miss midfielders Junior Makunike and Blessed Ndereki. Ngezi Platinum’s Nyasha Gurende, Bikita Minerals’ Courage Bera, Manica Diamonds’ Farai Banda, and CAPS United’s Bernard Chipanera are also ruled out.
Match Day 31 Fixtures
Saturday: Yadah vs ZPC Kariba (Heart Stadium), FC Platinum vs TelOne (Mandava Stadium), Scottland vs MWOS (Rufaro Stadium), GreenFuel vs Kwekwe United (GreenFuel Arena), Ngezi Platinum vs Simba Bhora (Baobab Stadium).
Sunday: Highlanders vs Dynamos (Barbourfields Stadium), Triangle United vs Chicken Inn (Gibbo Stadium), CAPS United vs Manica Diamonds (Rufaro Stadium).
Monday: Bikita Minerals vs Herentals (Sakubva Stadium).
