Online Reporter
ZIMBABWE football legend Elvis “Chuchu” Chiweshe, says there is no bigger fixture than the Dynamos versus Highlanders match.
The two protagonists clash at Rufaro Stadium in Harare this afternoon in a Chibuku Super Cup semi-final tie, which promises lots of thrills.
Chiweshe joined Dynamos in 1987 and went on to be a legendary figure in both Dynamos and Zimbabwe football. A rare talent comfortable as a wing back, centreback, defensive link, playmaker and second striker (Old Number 10 role), Chiweshe was a marvel to watch in action and became a key member for Zimbabwe Omnibus Company (Zupco), Eagles and Dynamos, the clubs he played for.
He retired after the 3-2 BP League Cup final loss to Highlanders, troubled by a recurrent knee injury.
“I could not bear it any more. On that afternoon I played centre-back and had to be substituted. The first goal scored by Highlanders, I was to blame because of poor reaction, Gift Lunga (Snr) took advantage and pounced,” said Chiweshe.
The legendary footballer yesterday said the game shakes the nation and is a highlight always.
“I am not praising my generation as often we get accused of that, but during our days this match was so much of a great deal, everyone spoke about it,” said Chiweshe.
He said the mood would change just soon after their last game before the big one. Injured players he said would rather drag themselves to training and give it their best with the media on overdrive so much that psychologically as a player one would want to be in the starting 11.
“As soon as the game ended, everyone would now turn his attention to the next match against Highlanders. There would be a workmen like approach to training with guys geared up to give it their all for Dynamos and beat Highlanders with 100 percent determination exhibited by all,” said Chiweshe.
Chuchu said the match was no ordinary game including super natural things.
“Even the weather would change all of a sudden. You come out of the dressing room and as you enter the field and look at Soweto, you see the weather changing and even in Harare, the atmosphere would be something else for us as players and the fans. That match is big and sadly today’s generation does not seem to take it the way we looked at the fixture and just playing for those two teams that make Zimbabwe football,” said the Caf B coaching diploma holder, who is sitting at home with no job at the moment.
“Even the media build-up, would be something else, pushing us to the limit with the write-ups,” said Chiweshe.
After three consecutive attempts to join Highlanders from the now defunct Eagles, Chiweshe, a Bulawayo boy, who grew up in Nguboyenja was eventually cleared to join Dynamos in 1987 and played alongside Biggie Zuze, Kenneth Jere and Memory Mucherahowa in the midfield department with Garikayi Zuze on the right wing while Clayton Munemo and Edward Katsvere competed on the left channel.
At times Chiweshe played as a centre-back in a defence that had Misheck Chidzambwa, Angirayi Chapo and Eddie Muchongwe.
He reckons that playing a Highlanders that had Tito Paketh, Willard Khumalo, Titus Majola, David Phiri, Amin Soma-Phiri was no stroll in the park.
“The match would be decided in midfield and we were up against formidable opponents with quality in the likes of Willard Khumalo, Titus Majola, David ‘Pele’ Phiri and Tito,” said Chiweshe.
He challenged the present players to respect the game and badge and give all on the field of play for the clubs’ legacies and fans that throng stadia.
Colsen Mabeza who had the distinction of playing for both Highlanders and Dynamos in the early years of Independence, insists there is no clash bigger than the two teams in Zimbabwe. He said as long as they are in the elite division they will always be a big attraction.
Mabeza featured in the season opener of 1980, the first match after the war ended. He was in Dynamos colours in the 4-2 win over Highlanders at Gwanzura Stadium.
“The build-up was something else. We were under Shaw Handriade who was player/coach after the sacking of Obadiah Sarupinda, a very passionate individual who instilled professionalism and that fire to fight for the badge. The preparations for the game all week, were very serious.
The feel of things was different, everyone wanted to be in the team and deliver,” said Mabeza who had been lured from Wenela in South Africa to play in a country that was rejoining the Fifa family after a decade of isolation.
When he crossed to Highlanders the following year, Mabeza found the same spirit of wanting to outdo Dynamos.
“Ahead of the tie, things would be different with all the players wanting to be selected to play. The effort was high and self-motivation all there,” said the former striker.
Mabeza said every player knew that an inspiring performance would make one national acclaimed.
The 1976 debacle in which Dynamos eclipsed Highlanders to the title by a point after a walkover decision is the source of the rivalry. It is said until then the biggest rivalry was between Dynamos and Mashonaland United later to be Zimbabwe Saints.
It is said it had rained all week and Barbourfields Stadium was unplayable. Highlanders still insist the Rhodesia National Football League management had been advised in a letter but let Dynamos travel all the way.
At 3pm, Highlanders were in no show and Dynamos were awarded a walkover. The Bulawayo giants who had felt shortchanged by being excluded from the BAT Rosebowl Cup despite winning the 1975 regional league title and a number of other grievances, pulled out of the league to play at schools and small towns in what became known as the South Zone Soccer League.
Since then, Dynamos and Highlanders matches are a grudge match.
Former Highlanders right-back, Noel Kaseke, a pivotal figure in the four consecutive league championships of 1998/99-2002, described the fixture as a match that needed no introduction.
“It was a game that needed no introduction to the week. You could feel it on the way to training in the minibus and also at training, the atmosphere was buzzing and electric making sure one does not miss being selected. You also wanted to be part of the starting team. It was a game that everyone wanted to start and the aggression, concentration and quality always went a notch up,” said Kaseke.
Traditionally, Highlanders has what they call heading tennis on match day to loosen up in the morning.
“On game day from the heading tennis game we had the competitive spirit of winning. It could be felt that everyone was psyched up,” said Kaseke.
Stomach tinges were a common thing.
“Butterflies in out tummies at lunch with that anticipation for the match. At team talk, coaches didn’t need to motivate us or tell us how important the game was, we already felt it from home and on the way to each session,” said Kaseke.
Kaseke added: “On the way to the game the singing and vibe was always electric for us but special for the Dynamos game, and meeting that sea of black and white on the way just added that extra desire to win. The game of the season was always against Dynamos with regards to us Bosso and its multitude of fans,” said the former right-back, who was capped at Warriors level.
