Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo-Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Dynamos pair of defender Collin Mujuru and winger Stanley Billiat will get to taste the Harare Derby vibes against CAPS United for the first time at Rufaro on Sunday.
Just like most of their peers at the Glamour Boys right now, the duo is eager to make a positive impact in their bow in a match that is always full of energy and anticipation.
Mujuru and Billiat are already familiar with the expectations at Dynamos 10 weeks into the new season in which the giants have lost only once but the anxiety that comes with the Harare Derby is always different.
Yet the two are used to playing in high intensity derbies before capacity crowds back in their days at Malawi giants FCB Nyasa Big Bullets.
Bullets’ Blantyre derby showdown against Mighty Wanderers is one of the biggest duels not only in Southern Africa but also ranks highly in the continent.
Both Mujuru and Billiat used to line up for the “Red Army” and for the two years they were involved at the same time always came out tops.
It is that inspiration that they are carrying into Sunday’s Harare Derby.
Interestingly, the first leg instalment of the Harare Derby is coinciding with the first leg of the Blantyre Derby which will be played at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe on Sunday.
That match had to be moved from Blantyre due to the unavailability of Kamuzu Stadium which is always the venue for this mighty fixture with the other facilities in Blantyre including the Mpira Stadium deemed too small to house the game.
Malawian Billiat said: “I am delighted to be fit at a time when Dynamos is preparing to face CAPS United in the Harare Derby.
“This is a game which is known to be one of the biggest in Africa.
“Back in Malawi, we used to be keenly interested in knowing the result from each of the fixtures involving the two giants.
“I am excited that finally I can get to really experience how it is playing in the Harare Derby.
“I can’t wait. I am very happy to be in this space right now.”
Billiat is yet to score a goal since joining DeMbare early this season but there is no doubting his potential.
He was a regular scorer back in his days at FCB Nyasa Big Bullets especially in the derby against Mighty Wanderers.
“I remember in my last season at FCB Big Bullets, I scored in both legs of the derby,” said Billiat.
“It will be a dream if I get to score and win the Harare Derby on Sunday.
“That’s my prayer actually. You see I haven’t scored a goal for Dynamos yet and getting that goal against CAPS United will be big.
“I am really keen to perform well and get Dynamos to win this match.”
For Mujuru, his first Harare Derby appearance means he has progressed a lot in his game.
The versatile defender knows the local football terrain like the back of his hand having seen action at Harare City, Highlanders, Herentals and Greenfuel.
And his experience from beyond the country’s borders at FCB Big Bullets has helped his growth as it is at Dynamos where he looks to have reached the peak of his powers.
Mujuru has quickly established himself at the Glamour Boys where he is already one of the leading figures in terms of the conviction demanded at this club.
He has spiced up his defensive compactness where he twins with Hastings Chapusha at the heart of defence, with a goal so far this season.
“I have never played in this giant fixture, and I can’t wait to go down the aisle into the Rufaro pitch for it on Sunday,” said Mujuru.
“Growing up in Harare, just going to Rufaro, the National Sports Stadium Gwanzura to watch this match was always a dream.
“I have played in the local league for close to 10 seasons cumulatively and you always wanted to know how these teams would have played even when you were involved in matches of your own team.
“That’s how big it is and now to be getting involved directly means a lot to me.
“I want to take the opportunity with both hands. I want to give my all. I have played in the Blantyre Derby before. I know the expectations and that’s what I am promising. At the end of the day, Dynamos have to win this game, certainly. That’s the aim on Sunday.”
Bongani Ndlovu