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Eddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
CAN Dynamos maintain their eight-year domination over Highlanders and, in the process, cripple Bosso’s quest for a first league title in as many years at Barbourfields today?The country’s biggest clubs are set for a top-of-the-table clash, albeit on the back of disappointing performances by both sides in their recent outings.
Highlanders have not beaten their football nemesis in a league match since 2006 when they last won the championship.
But if there was a time they would have loved to choose to break this jinx, then it’s in today’s game.
Dynamos usually find their rhythm when they come up against big teams — Highlanders and CAPS United — whom they have also dominated for the past five years.
The Glamour Boys were 1-0 victors over Highlanders when the teams met in the first round matches at the National Sports Stadium, courtesy of Washington Pakamisa’s fine strike.
However, Bosso forward Charles Sibanda, said they were not losing sleep over this big match which expected to draw a huge crowd.
It is also live on SuperSport.
He maintains spirits are high in camp and believes they have the mental strength to beat their arch-rivals.
Sibanda, who has been one of the outstanding players in Bosso colours this season, told The Saturday Herald that they will not be intimidated by records.
“We are preparing for it, just like we do for any other match that we play. I would like to believe it’s a league match like any other, with three points at stake but the only difference probably is that Highlanders have not beaten Dynamos in the last eight years.
“But that is not a reason to put ourselves under pressure. As a team we are just trying to keep focused. Our aim has always been to win every match that we play but sometimes it doesn’t work out as we would have wanted,” said Sibanda.
Highlanders were shocked by lowly Black Rhinos during midweek when they lost 1-0 at Rimuka to perpetuate a miserable run of three games without a win.
They have only managed to collect two points out of a possible nine and the whole team agrees they have to lift their game a gear up in the title race.
Bosso are still top of the table despite being tied on 32 points with newboys ZPC Kariba and Dynamos
“It happens in football. We haven’t done quite well in the last three games and we are quite aware how our supporters are feeling about it right now. We have to make them happy. It will be good if we win against Dynamos because it has been long. The jinx has to be broken.
“What happened in the previous games is now in the past. It’s now behind us, instead we are focusing on the next assignment. Everyone is geared up. We have new players in the squad as well and they are all eager to win against Dynamos,” said Sibanda.
Highlanders coach, Kelvin Kaindu, was hoping that injured players Simon Munawa and Rahman Kutsanzira bounce back in time for the big tie.
Dynamos have a good record at Barbourfields, which they now consider their second home, and they must be a happy lot going back to Bulawayo.
They have played at the venue three times this year and have not lost a single match.
They beat How Mine and Bantu Rovers and claimed a point against Chicken Inn.
But DeMbare have dropped four points in their last two matches against Black Rhinos and Chicken Inn.
Any team that wins today would have leverage going into the final countdown in the championship race.
However, DeMbare coach Callisto Pasuwa refused to be carried away by the records.
He said the match will have little effect concerning the destiny of the championship.
“It’s not going to be the title decider. I don’t think so because there are so many games to be played after this.
“Our record will not at all give us any advantage over Highlanders. It was the same story again when we played CAPS United, it was in our heads but a game is only won in 90 sminutes,” said Pasuwa.
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