Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi-Zimpapers Sports Hub
TRADITIONALLY a clash between Highlanders and Dynamos has provided an arena for new stars, who use the biggest Castle Lager Premier Soccer League showdown to make their names.
However, in recent years that fixture has been marked by inconsistency.
Nevertheless, the spirit of the Battle of Zimbabwe lives on, and tomorrow the old guard like DeMbare’s rejuvenated midfielder Denver Mukamba and Andrew Mbeba for Highlanders are likely to feature prominently as the giants revive their old rivalry at Barbourfields.
Mukamba, by his own admission is no longer a 90-mintes player, but the few minutes that he makes on the pitch, he is usually effective.
The 32-year-old is part of the larger scheme behind DeMbare’s recent recovery which has seen them going on a seven-match unbeaten run.
The recent form was key in helping the Glamour Boys move out of the relegation zone for the first time in several months.
Dynamos coach Kelvin Kaindu, a long-time admirer of the midfielder, believes the 32-year-old will be key in the remaining games of the season.
“He’s a very, very important player. He’s quite influential on the game…. In every game that he has come through, he’s demonstrated that he’s still the old Denver,” said Kaindu in a recent interview.
Mukamba is among the stars whose profiles grew at Dynamos and he has consistently risen on the big stage. However, it appears the conveyor belt has stopped.
Although his heart is DeMbare and demonstrates that whenever gets the opportunity, apparently Mukamba has slowed down a bit and cannot give the fans what he gave them 10 years ago at his peak.
But he is still a big game player, hence Dynamos – a side that has been short on top talent this season – can be understood when they pin hopes on his magic to influence matches.
DeMbare have largely been ordinary but they a few rookies who can be touted to come to the party, the likes of Vusa Ngwenya, Enasio Perezo Junior and late bloomer Jairos Kasondo, who has scored important goals for them lately.
Both giants need new heroes and tomorrow’s game presents a platform for a hero to emerge.
Bosso also have in their ranks huge individual potential.
The Mushore brothers Mason and McKinnon can turn the game on its head on any day.
But just like Dynamos, it has been a while since Highlanders gave birth to a football superstar.
But the Bosso fans can bet their last dollar that veteran defender Mbeba will come through for them, as he has often done especially when his teammates freeze on the big stage.
The Battle of Zimbabwe comes at a time when both teams are battling for survival – an unusual setting for this high -profile match that has produced some huge memories in the last five decades.
Highlanders coach Pieter de Jongh was excited he has all his players available, barring late obstacles.
“It looks like everyone is available, so from that side I’m happy,” said de Jongh.
The game is significant in the fight against relegation as the giants find themselves among the 10 teams that are involved in the fight for survival.
But De Jongh reckons it is still the biggest fixture in domestic football despite the circumstances and a huge turnout is expected for this latest chapter of the big battle.
Bosso are ninth with 35 points, just two ahead of 14th-placed Dynamos.
“I like big games as a coach because they give memories.
“A win for both teams is important because both teams need to survive at the end of the season. We have two points more than the opponents. We need to go to 39 points.
“With 39 points, we are safe. From our side, we needed four points to score at four games. Of course, you play for victories, but that’s also for an opponent.
“I hope for big, big support from our great fans. Full house, that’s what I hope and I think that it will be full house. It’s a big game, the biggest game in Zimbabwe, football. There’s no discussion about history on both teams,” De Jongh said.
Zambian gaffer Kaindu is looking forward to an emotional return to Barbourfields, just a few months after he was dismissed by Bosso.
“It’s a big game for both teams, two points separating both teams, which makes it a bit interesting,” said Kaindu.
“We just hope that from what we are doing, we get our targets right on that day and facing my former team obviously comes with a bit of emotions.
“I am now a Dynamos coach and I want to focus on what Dynamos can do. If you look at the number of games that we have played from mid-season, we haven’t dropped maximum points so picking from where we left is key,” Kaindu said.
Fixtures:
Today: Yadah v ZPC Kariba (Heart Stadium), FC Platinum v TelOne (Mandava), Scottland v MWOS (Rufaro), GreenFuel v Kwekwe United (GreenFuel Arena), Ngezi Platinum v Simba Bhora (Baobab)
Tomorrow: Highlanders v Dynamos (Barbourfields), Triangle United v Chicken Inn (Gibbo), CAPS United v Manica Diamonds (Rufaro)
Monday: Bikita Minerals v Herentals (Sakubva).
