DeMbare’s Barbourfields takeover

IT’S a twist on the classic Battle of Zimbabwe.

Imagine Dynamos, the Harare-based powerhouse, playing host to Highlanders at the legendary Barbourfields Stadium. It’s a notion that would have once been met with ridicule, a far-fetched idea in the world of Zimbabwean football.

Barbourfields is known as Bosso’s fortress, a place where the Bulawayo giants historically held an undisputed dominance, capable of defeating any opponent with ease. Yet, that pride in their citadel was about to face a challenge. With the condemnation of stadiums in Harare, Dynamos had to find a new home, and that’s when they turned to Barbourfields.

DeMbare, as Dynamos is affectionately known, decided to adopt Emagumeni as their new home ground. The outcome? Dynamos hasn’t suffered a single defeat at the venue since the switch.

Their record speaks for itself — they’ve claimed victory once and played to draws in three of their home games at Barbourfields. Now, they’re set to host their arch-rivals in a match that has earned the moniker “Battle of Zimbabwe.” This historic encounter marks the first time DeMbare will be the home team.

The reality on the ground is that the unexpected is about to unfold.

However, certain things remain unchanged. Highlanders will undoubtedly dominate the fan presence at the stadium, just as they always have. They’ll occupy their customary spots at the renowned Soweto End and Empankweni stands. Dynamos fans, in their typical fashion, will be gathered at the Mpilo End bay. You can expect them to be in full voice, with word on the street suggesting that they’ve organised a pre-game road show.

With Highlanders, tradition tends to endure, and the Black and White family is expected to show up in numbers, ensuring that the electric atmosphere of a “Battle of Zimbabwe” remains as intense as ever.

Bosso coach Baltermar Brito has called on supporters to throng the venue and spur the team to victory.

“We have the best supporters in the country. They are the people behind the team and support us during the games and they have shown that they can behave well because there has been zero hooliganism and zero problems with our supporters.

“We have them pushing the team forward. I think supporters from both sides should have a lot of respect for each other, and respect the sponsor that they have in common. We should provide a good game of football for the families and for everyone that will be watching at home,” Brito said.

Dynamos go into this match full of confidence after they picked up seven points from a possible nine from the last three matches.

Bosso captain Ariel Sibanda also spoke on the impact of fans on the day. “Our fans are going to play a big part in that game and I want to urge them to come in their numbers. This season they have been coming and our results have been improving. They deserve to be happy on Sunday. No predictions but we will try and get maximum points,” Sibanda said.

— @innocentskizoe