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Walter Mswazie Masvingo Correspondent
DERBY fever has gripped the Lowveld community ahead of the first ever Premier League clash between archrivals Chiredzi United and Triangle FC at Gibbo Stadium on Sunday.The rivalry between the two teams could be traced back to the days when both teams played in Division One. Their matches were characterised by fierce battles on and off the pitch.
Both used to be sponsored by Anglo American Corporation and now recently Tongaat Hullet who said they could not fund two teams in the Premiership.
Hippo Valley as Chiredzi were known until early this year, then changed names with the community involved as sponsors.
Talk about the game has already started in both Chiredzi and Triangle where staunch supporters of either sides are ready for the encounter.
Fans have since engaged in a war of words on the social network platforms.
They are threatening to derail each other’s Premiership fight.
Besides historical ties, there are players who have crossed the floor to the other aiding the rivalry that is brewing ahead of the tie.
Another feature is that both are coached by two great former Dynamos players, Moses Chunga at Chiredzi and Biggie Zuze in charge of Triangle.
Chiredzi FC head into the derby buoyed by their gallant performance against FC Platinum last weekend which ended in a 1-1 draw.
The hearty display was spoilt by the expulsion of goalkeeper Simon Kafitire who in a moment of madness punched FC Platinum striker Marshall Mudewe on the stomach in an off the ball incident.
When he was sent off on 38 minutes his side led 1-0 with Munyaradzi Chiwara having scored the club’s historic first goal in the Premiership.
It was the fastest goal of the season, scored in 30 seconds with Thabani Kamusoko scoring the equaliser at the death.
Chunga earned himself praise from Lloyd Mutasa who described him as a good coach with a formidable side.
Togo Zubrim of Chiredzi FC said he hopes both teams will raise their game but put his money on his team.
“The match will be tough but I foresee Chiredzi prevailing if Triangle underrate them. The young boys play good football, I watched the team playing FC Platinum last week and if they continue like that then Triangle will be floored. However, I would be comfortable if the two teams draw,” he said.
A Triangle supporter, Precious Shoko said, “We are aware that Chiredzi has beaten us before but this time we want to turn the tables. We want to win this match and our coach Biggie Zuze knows that,” she said.
Chunga said he was not going to worry much about playing Triangle and is taking the game like any other fixture.
“Firstly I am not a fortune teller to tell the fans how many goals we will score. What I know is that we are preparing for the next match against our neighbours and we are ready for the challenge. I am happy with the way my boys played against FC Platinum and hope to continue from where we left,” said Chunga.
Biggie Zuze, after succumbing to a 3-1 loss to Shabanie Mine at Maglas Stadium on Sunday said:
“I am not afraid of derbies, the two teams have been engaged in local matches all along when they were in Division One and there is nothing to fear. I am treating the game like any other game.”
Online Reporter