Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
FOR all the online bluster, the Harare Derby turned out to be anything but a flop.
In the days leading up to the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League blockbuster between Dynamos and CAPS United, a wave of social media chatter threatened to cast a dark cloud over the fixture. Vocal sections of the Dynamos faithful, spearheaded by a pressure group calling itself the Dynamos Supporters Association Harare Chapter, had vowed to boycott all upcoming home games, beginning with yesterday’s tie at Rufaro Stadium.
The group insisted the Vietnam Stand, the traditional fortress of DeMbare supporters, would remain conspicuously empty in protest against club majority shareholder Bernard Marriot-Lusengo and the executive led by Moses Maunganidze. They demanded a leadership overhaul following a sluggish start to the 2025 campaign. And for a while, it seemed like the protest might gain traction.
Even some neutral observers dismissed the derby as a low-key edition, pointing to the underwhelming form of both teams after 12 rounds of matches.
But come match day, the script flipped, dramatically.
While CAPS United fans expectedly packed the City End, buzzing with optimism under new head coach Ian Bakala, it was the Dynamos supporters who truly stole the show. Defying boycott calls, they turned out in their thousands, giving the tie the colour and energy befitting its stature. The thrilling match ended 1-1, with both sets of fans playing their part in what was easily one of the best derby atmospheres in recent years.
Since the return of local football post Covid-19 in 2021, the Harare Derby has yet to witness a full house. But yesterday’s crowd, estimated at around 15 000, was a statement. And it was DeMbare fans, boisterous, brass band in tow, who outnumbered and outcheered their rivals.
The boycott, it turned out, was a damp squib.
Dynamos majority shareholder Marriot-Lusengo saluted the supporters.
“I have always said that Dynamos have their true fans who stand with the team in good and bad times. This is the spirit around which makes the Glamour Boys the biggest team in the country.
“The fans were so amazing, passionately rallying behind the team and the boys responded by giving it their all and any other day, they could have won the game,” he said.
“Dynamos fans love their team with their all, that’s why I understand them when they pour out their frustrations.
“The team has not started the season well and they demanded that we replace the coach (Lloyd Chigowe) and we responded by appointing Saul Chaminuka.
“The new coach needed their presence and they didn’t disappoint. This is what Dynamos fans do. They drive this club with sheer passion and energy.
“Yes, there were some social media campaigns to try and dilute our efforts but we knew this was some unnecessary sideshow and Dynamos fans would not be swayed by that.”
Indeed, the fans responded with powerful presence, a sea of blue pulsing through Rufaro, voices raised and spirits high. Some had travelled long distances to make it.
“I am a Dynamos supporter and I travelled from Chegutu together with my family to watch my team play as I have always done all my life,” said Craig Silas Dirwai.
“I was aware of some groupings calling for a boycott but I do not affiliate to any of those groups because I pay my own money to support Dynamos.
“I don’t need anyone to tell me how to support Dynamos because it’s my choice to back them in the first place.”
Vimbayi Chikwenje (45), who was flanked by her two sons, echoed the sentiment.
“I live in Glen View and I make it a point to attend all Dynamos home games. I don’t know anything called a chapter. I have my own pure love for this club,” she said.
“The team is going through a tough period but that has also strengthened my love for them. Even if Dynamos were to be relegated, I would still support them in Division One. No one should tell me when to start hating this team or boycotting their games. That’s unacceptable.”
Chaminuka, overseeing his first game in charge, was equally appreciative.
“The fans were phenomenal. Their energy lifted the boys. It’s now up to us to reward them by improving results going forward,” he said.
Ironically, the Harare Chapter, the group behind the boycott calls,fell silent on Sunday. No images or updates surfaced on their social media pages from their proposed alternative gathering in Highfield.
Their attempt to draw parallels with last year’s Highlanders fan boycott at Barbourfields, a protest over heavy PSL fines, rang hollow.
This was a different scenario. And Dynamos fans showed they know the difference.
Ultimately, the derby served up drama on the pitch and a lesson in loyalty off it.
