Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira
Zimpapers Sports Hub
PIETER De Jongh is refusing to buy into the Kelvin Kaindu narrative as Highlanders prepare to host Dynamos at Barbourfields on Sunday in one of Zimbabwe’s biggest football fixtures.
Kaindu’s return to Emagumeni, this time sitting in the DeMbare dugout, has already sparked pre-match debate. The former Bosso mentor knows Highlanders inside out, having built much of the current squad before leaving.
His emotional connection with the club adds spice to an encounter already charged with history and rivalry.
Dynamos head into the clash sitting 14th on the log with 33 points, two behind Highlanders, who occupy ninth with 35. Both clubs are still scrapping for safety, a rare reality for two giants of Zimbabwean football.
While some believe Kaindu’s insider knowledge gives Dynamos an edge, De Jongh isn’t buying it.
“For me that is totally not important where he was coach. I was also coach here in 2019. He’s my colleague and I respect him as my colleague and that is it. It’s not about him or me, it’s about the two clubs, Highlanders and Dynamos,” said De Jongh.
“It’s correct that Dynamos have got more points than us in the last five games, but it’s not about my colleague Kaindu, it’s not about me. It’s about Highlanders and Dynamos, two big teams who are very important for Zimbabwean football.
“It’s a big clash and in such a big clash anything is possible. Kaindu is a good coach, I am also a good coach, but this is not about me or him, it’s about Highlanders and Dynamos.”
De Jongh’s focus is on ensuring fair officiating in what’s expected to be a high stakes fixture.
“I expect fair play. What I saw in the game between Dynamos and Ngezi Platinum was not fair play. On Sunday we need a good referee, not only for Highlanders but for both sides. It is very important for football in Zimbabwe that there will be good refereeing,” he said.
On the team front, the Dutchman confirmed that his squad is at full strength.
“From the injury side, it looks like everyone is available. It’s a big game. I like big games. It’s an important game for both teams because they both want to survive.”
He also called on the Bosso faithful to pack Barbourfields.
“I hope to get big support from our fans. We hope to get big support,” he said.
A huge turnout is expected for this latest chapter of the Bosso-DeMbare rivalry, a fixture that defies form, unites generations, and continues to define Zimbabwean football’s heartbeat.
Match Day 31 Fixtures:
Tomorrow: Yadah vs ZPC Kariba (Heart Stadium), FC Platinum vs TelOne (Mandava Stadium), Scottland vs MWOS (Rufaro Stadium), GreenFuel vs Kwekwe United (GreenFuel Arena), Ngezi Platinum vs Simba Bhora (Baobab Stadium)
Sunday: Highlanders vs Dynamos (Barbourfields Stadium), Triangle United vs Chicken Inn (Gibbo Stadium), CAPS United vs Manica Diamonds (Rufaro Stadium)
Monday: Bikita Minerals vs Herentals (Sakubva Stadium)
Mathew Masinge