adminEddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
THE Chinese Federation of Zimbabwe have set up Harare Derby showdown between Dynamos and CAPS United for an early pre-season battle to celebrate the cordial relations between Zimbabwe and China. The match, which is likely to ignite the pre-season excitement, will be played at Rufaro on Sunday. Winners will pocket US$15 000 while US$10 000 has been reserved for the losing team. Both Dynamos and CAPS United are also set to share proceeds from the gate takings.
DeMbare and CAPS United have been busy in the pre-season trying to put together competitive squads after losing a number of key players.
This game will provide the coaches from both sides the platform to polish up their preparations ahead of the new season which starts on March 7.
The match will be played under the auspices of the Chinese Federation of Zimbabwe as part of the celebrations to mark 35 years of bilateral relations between the countries.
Dynamos chairman Kenny Mubaiwa said the Glamour Boys were excited with the proposed match and hailed their relationship with the Chinese community in Zimbabwe.
“The match is on. We are only left to confirm a few things with CAPS United. Initially we had thought of playing Highlanders but CAPS United are also exciting opponents.
“Again when you put into consideration the logistics of bringing Highlanders here, obviously the costs were going to be higher.
“The Chinese Federation of Zimbabwe is working on the logistics and sponsorship of the game,” said Mubaiwa.
The Glamour Boys chairman said DeMbare enjoy good relations with the Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe which stretch back to 2012 when they invited the ambassador Lin Lin to grace their end-of-season awards.
Dynamos were also beneficiaries of a five-year sponsorship deal for the supply of bottled water by a Chinese company ZLG, who are one of the sponsors of the match.
Spokesperson for the Chinese Federation of Zimbabwe. Rumbidzai Matinanga, said Lin Lin and Government officials were expected among the high ranking guests.
“The match is confirmed but there are only a few sticking issues that we have been trying to iron out. The initiative is meant to celebrate the 35 years of good relations between the Zimbabwean and the Chinese communities.
“The event will feature three core elements as standard features – curtain raisers, entertainment and the main match Dynamos vs CAPS United.
“The trophy and prize-giving ceremony will be graced by the honourable ambassador of China to Zimbabwe and honourable ministers of the Republic of Zimbabwe.
“There will be a cocktail of entertainment by both Chinese and Zimbabwean artists. In a way, it’s a way to celebrate and strengthen the cordial relations with China which stretch back to the country’s liberation struggle.
“We will also take the opportunity to wish President Robert Mugabe a belated happy birthday,” said Matinanga.
She said as part of the fun, a select few Chinese nationals could feature in the game.
CAPS United public relations manager Joyce Kapota welcomed the match.
Makepekepe are hoping that their new coach Mark Harrison will have started work by the time.
Harrison has remained holed up in South Africa while his work permit was being sorted.
In his absence, his lieutenants Brenna Msiska and Fungai “Tostao” Kwashi have been doing the groundwork.
“The coach should have been here already but I am not sure what could have caused his delay. We are still expecting him, however.
“He should arrive any time from now. Most of the questions will be made clear at the press conference on Thursday,” said Kapota.
Online Reporter