Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere, Zimpapers Sports Hub
IN a once feared fixture now dimmed by inconsistency, Dynamos and Highlanders reignite their storied rivalry this afternoon at Rufaro Stadium, the ceremonial home of Zimbabwean football, as the Battle of Zimbabwe returns for its first 2025 league chapter.
But both giants limp into this clash wounded.
Dynamos are still reeling from a 2-1 away defeat to Ngezi Platinum Stars. Highlanders, meanwhile, were humbled at Barbourfields by a spirited Herentals side. The derby has lost its shine, a casualty of the teams’ collective drop in form and waning dominance.
Yet for Highlanders coach Kelvin Kaindu, the occasion remains massive.
“Whatever the circumstances are, it’s still a big match. We really have a big game on our hands. We will need to go out there and fight again,” said the Zambian gaffer, ahead of a contest that could swing either way.
Both sides desperately need maximum points, with the season nearing its halfway mark and pressure building from restless fans.
Bosso will take to the battlefield without captain Ariel “Mangoye” Sibanda, midfield enforcer Archford Faira, and defender Talent Dube, all sidelined through injury.
Their recent form is a mixed bag:
L – L – D – W – W
That’s seven points from a possible 15, a 47 percent return.
DeMbare’s record is bleaker:
L – D – L – L – D
Just two points from 15. A shocking 13 percent success rate.
In a bid to arrest the slump, Dynamos recently appointed veteran coach Saul Chaminuka to steer the ship following the sacking of Loyd “MaBlanyo” Chigowe.
Today’s showdown will kick off at 2PM, an hour earlier than usual, to accommodate players who are set to depart for Fifa international friendlies later in the day. Zimbabwe’s Warriors are scheduled to leave for Casablanca, Morocco, where they face Burkina Faso on June 6 and Niger on June 10.
