Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere [email protected]
BULAWAYO will come to a standstill on Sunday when city rivals Highlanders and Chicken Inn renew one of Zimbabwean football’s fiercest rivalries in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League clash at Barbourfields.
The derby comes at a fascinating time for both sides, with Highlanders seeking an immediate response after a disappointing defeat, while Chicken Inn arrive with renewed confidence following a morale-boosting victory.
Bosso head into the contest nursing the wounds of a 1-0 defeat to their perennial bogey side, ZPC Kariba, at Nyamhunga Stadium. It was a result that left Highlanders frustrated after dominating long periods of the match and creating several clear-cut scoring opportunities.
Head coach Benjani Mwaruwari lamented his side’s failure to convert their chances, admitting the missed opportunities ultimately proved costly as ZPC Kariba punished them with the decisive goal. The defeat denied Highlanders the chance to continue building momentum and piled pressure on the former Warriors captain ahead of one of the biggest fixtures on the domestic football calendar.
For Highlanders, Sunday’s derby presents the perfect opportunity to bounce back in front of their passionate supporters. Barbourfields has always provided Bosso with an intimidating atmosphere, and thousands of black-and-white faithful are expected to pack the famous stadium in the hope of inspiring their team to victory.
Chicken Inn, however, will not be short of belief.
The Gamecocks warmed up for the derby with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over TelOne, a result that has lifted confidence in the camp as they prepare for another fierce battle with their city rivals.
The visitors are also motivated by memories of the last meeting between the two teams, when Highlanders cruised to a convincing 3-1 victory. Chicken Inn coach Tonderayi Ndiraya insists that result remains fresh in his players’ minds, although he appreciates that derby matches often produce unpredictable outcomes.
“You all know and understand what derbies are made of. The last time we played them we lost 3-1, so it’s a result that we really want to overturn. But we know Highlanders, in front of their fans, are difficult to crack. This is football,” said Ndiraya.
The experienced coach expects another fiercely contested encounter, particularly after contrasting results for the two teams in their previous league matches.
“The result we got against TelOne makes the whole match very exciting. We also know Highlanders lost, so they want to bounce back. It’s going to be very competitive and very interesting. It’s a derby and everyone wants to play in a derby. Even those who are injured want to recover quickly because every player wants to be part of a match like this.”
The Bulawayo derby has always been more than just three points. It is a battle for city supremacy, pride and bragging rights, with every tackle, pass and goal carrying added significance. Form often counts for little when these two sides meet, as emotion, determination and character usually take centre stage.
With Highlanders desperate to make amends for their Nyamhunga disappointment and Chicken Inn eager to avenge their last derby defeat, all the ingredients are in place for another captivating showdown.
A packed Barbourfields Stadium, passionate supporters and two teams with plenty to prove should combine to produce a memorable afternoon of football in Zimbabwe’s second football capital.
Michael Charamba for the Gamecocks and Highlanders talisman Mongameli Tshuma’s form may determine the result.
– @Fungai Muderere.
