Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi-Zimpapers Sports Hub
FORMER Dynamos captain Ocean Mushure believes the Glamour Boys have the momentum and mentality to finally end their long win-less run against Highlanders at Barbourfields when the two giants clash this Sunday.
Dynamos have found victories hard to come by in Bulawayo over the past 12 years. Their only “win” during that period came in 2017, being a 3-0 boardroom decision after the match was abandoned due to crowd trouble.
From open play, DeMbare’s last triumph over Bosso at Barbourfields dates back to 2014, towards the end of their dominant era under trailblazing coach Kalisto Pasuwa.
Mushure, a former defensive pillar and later captain of Dynamos, was at the heart of many fierce encounters against Highlanders before his move to Lusaka Dynamos in 2017.
“This is the biggest football match in domestic football, very tense and with a lot of history behind it,” he told Zimpapers Sports Hub yesterday.
“The team that wants it more on the day is likely to win. Unfortunately, Barbourfields has been a difficult venue for Dynamos in the last few years.
“But, like I said, that should not be an issue because these are the type of games that can be won by any team. I remember Barbourfields was more like our second home, and we used to win matches there, and they could also win at Rufaro.”
Mushure, who won three league titles with DeMbare between 2012 and 2014, is encouraged by the current form displayed by his former team.
Dynamos have been building momentum, with greater attacking cohesion and picking up important points in their recent outings.
Despite their recent inconsistencies, DeMbare appear to be finding rhythm, showing improved attacking cohesion and collecting valuable points. They plunge into the Battle of Zimbabwe fresh from a 3-0 demolition of TelOne.
“With the form Dynamos are showing at the moment, nothing could stop them from winning at Barbourfields. They just need focus and hard work,” said Mushure.
“If you look at their recent results, they have been doing well, and that gives them confidence, which is crucial in such big games.
“I’m glad this match comes when both teams are on the rise. We should expect a very competitive contest.”
Mushure vividly recalls the mental and physical demands that came with preparing for the Battle of Zimbabwe during his playing days.
He said this is a fixture few others on the local calendar can match for intensity, passion and historical significance.
This latest instalment arrives at a crucial stage of the season, with both teams eager to assert themselves in the title race.
Dynamos go into the match on a strong run, with three wins and two draws in their last five outings. Highlanders, meanwhile, have three wins, one draw and one defeat over the same period.
The resurgence marks a significant shift for both clubs, who only secured their Premiership status late last season. Now, they find themselves within touching distance of the top, trailing leaders Scottland by nine points.
Dynamos sit sixth on the log with 29 points from 17 matches, with one fixture still pending following the abandoned clash against Hardrock in Kwekwe, which is awaiting a disciplinary ruling.
Highlanders are just a point behind in seventh place.
Bosso endured a difficult start to the season despite high expectations under a technical team led by ex-Warriors skipper Benjani Mwaruwari, assisted by Bekithemba Ndlovu and Mkhokheli Dube, with Zenzo Moyo serving as team welfare manager.
Bosso and DeMbare fought a 2-2 draw in the first leg at Rufaro earlier this year.
Highlanders have shown resilience in recent weeks, grinding out results even when not at their fluent best.
Their defensive discipline and ability to control matches at home have kept them within touching distance of the top teams.
Midfielder Mongameli Tshuma has emerged as a key attacking outlet, combining pace and directness.
Prince Ndlovu and Nigerian Benjamin Adeogun remain a constant threat in the final third, while Daniel Munkuli adds steel and creativity going forward.
At the back, Andrew Mbeba is expected to play a big role in organising the defence and containing Dynamos’ attacking threats.
Dynamos, meanwhile, will look to their own arsenal of talent.
Ghanaian forward Frank Agyemang has hit a purple patch, enjoying his best form since joining the Glamour Boys last season.
Skipper Shadreck Nyahwa and Abel Gwatidzo bring energy into the game, while Jairos Kasondo offers an extra edge in attack as the club’s leading scorer.
Mushure called on the seasoned players to take responsibility.
“I think the senior guys should help the youngsters to stabilise. Big games always call for big temperaments which the inexperienced guys lack,” said Mushure.
Beyond bragging rights, this match carries significant implications for both teams’ seasons.
For Highlanders, a win at home would consolidate their push towards the upper end of the table and reaffirm their credentials as genuine contenders.
Dynamos, meanwhile, will be desperate to secure a positive result away from home and maintain consistency as they seek to climb the standings.
Mushure also spoke against hooliganism, which often marred the duels between Bosso and DeMbare in the last few years.
“I think we need to educate our supporters that referees are also human. They can make mistakes and that should not be a reason for people to throw missiles.
“Hooliganism has no place in the game. Football should always be the winner, no matter the results.”
