Clash of colours as Chegutu soccer carnival descends on Bulawayo: Pirates sail into Emagumeni’s choppy waters

IT’S not often that the visitors’ end of Barbourfields Stadium transforms into a monochromatic sea of black and white. But this Sunday, the stage is set for a showdown as Highlanders host new boys, Chegutu Pirates, at Emagumeni.

The Mpilo end, traditionally designated for the away team during any Bosso game, will be draped in the same hues: black and white.

These two teams share more than just colours. Their hand salutation, crossed fists, unites them. But beyond that, they both boast the most passionate fans in local football. Last season, Bosso pulled in the biggest crowds in the topflight league. Meanwhile, Chegutu Pirates made waves in the Zifa Northern Region Division One, earning their promotion.

As the match unfolds, Chegutu Pirates’ faithful may find themselves outnumbered by the multitudes of Bosso fans. Yet, there’s a twist: traveling supporters and sympathetic neutrals will rally behind the visitors.

Both coaches agree: the fans’ fervour will shape the outcome. Kaindu prays for a sea of Bosso faithful, their voices echoing through the stadium.

“Highlanders can’t do without fans; they are the driving force. We enjoyed their support in Gweru (on Monday). They came in numbers, before and even after they were still celebrating with us, and we are hoping and praying the crowd will still be there to motivate and encourage the team to keep on pushing,” said Kaindu.

Chegutu Pirates coach Day Gutu is confident his charges will be able to handle the pressure at Barbourfields Stadium.

“Highlanders is the second most supported club in Zimbabwe. Pirates are not far away being in the top five as the most supported club so it’s going to be interesting. I know Bosso fans are passionate. We have played in front of bigger crowds before in Division One so we are not going to be intimidated,” said Gutu.

Pirates who are debutants in the Castle Lager PSL have picked up four points in four games. They registered their first ever league win this past Sunday against Green Fuel FC following a narrow 1-0 victory. Highlanders on the other hand, have managed to win three of their opening four games and managing only one stalemate.

In other matches, a potentially explosive encounter is set for Mandava Stadium this afternoon as FC Platinum welcome CAPS United. FC Platinum go into this game having beaten Herentals at Rufaro Stadium on Monday and sit joint top with Highlanders having collected 10 points out of a possible 12. Also today, top flight league newsboys Arenel Movers will play host to fellow newcomers, Bikita Minerals at Luveve Stadium. Dynamos are in action against Bulawayo Chiefs at Rufaro Stadium on Sunday. Get ready for a clash where colours collide, passions ignite, and football takes centre stage!

Fixtures:

Saturday:

Arenel Movers v Bikita Minerals (Luveve Stadium), FC Platinum v CAPS United (Mandava Stadium), ZPC Kariba v Herentals (Nyamhunga Stadium), GreenFuel v Ngezi Platinum (GreenFuel Arena), Yadah v Simba Bhora (Heart Stadium)

Sunday:

Manica Diamonds v Chicken Inn (Sakubva Stadium), Highlanders v Chegutu Pirates (Barbourfields Stadium), Hwange v TelOne (Colliery Stadium) Dynamos v Bulawayo Chiefs ( Rufaro Stadium)