Harare derby fever . . . history meets the present

Langton Nyakwenda

Zimpapers Sports Hub

THE famous Castle Lager Premier Soccer League derby, featuring Harare giants Dynamos and CAPS United, turns 50 next year, amid growing concern about the diminishing quality of the fixtures between these storied sides in recent years.

As fans eagerly await the latest fixture, scheduled for its traditional home — Rufaro — on Sunday, veteran football commentator Charles Mabika has gone down memory lane in a bid to revive memories of yesteryear’s fiery derby clashes.

The first Harare derby was played in March 1977, after CAPS United had been promoted into the then Super League.

It produced five goals, with Dynamos edging their new rivals 3-2.

The architects of that famous DeMbare win are, however, now late.

George “Mastermind” Shaya created all of DeMbare’s goals that were scored by Oliver Kateya with a double and David George.

For CAPS United the late Shacky “Mr Goals” Tauro and Peter Agostinho were on target for CAPS United.

Over the years, the matches between DeMbare and CAPS United have grown with the derby easily the biggest fixture in the capital city.

The trend has continued, with each passing generation being initiated into the importance of this blood and thunder fixture.

In the 1980s, Dynamos boasted stars who included goalkeeper Lucky Dube (late), Moses Chunga and the late duo of Biggie Zuze and Kenneth Jere, while CAPS United relied on the likes of Brenna Msiska, Joel Shambo, (late), Oscar Motsi, Anthony Kambani and Friday Phiri (late).

The derby spilled into the 1990s with Garikai Zuze, Bheki Mlotshwa, Memory Mucherahowa, Gift Muzadzi, Vitalis Takawira, Tauya Murehwa, Lloyd Mutasa, Kalisto Pasuwa, Lloyd Chitembwe, Stewart Murisa and Alois Bunjira but began to lose its flavour post the new millennium.

Mabika, who is regarded as one of the authorities in local football, vividly recalls the first Harare Derby, that was played in front of a full house at Rufaro in March 1977.

Rufaro was filled to the rafters,” Mabika said. “Dynamos had in their line-up the evergreen George “Mastermind” Shaya, Mathew Mwale, Shadreck “Margarine” Ngwenya, Isaac Nhema, Simon “Tangwena” Sachiti, Sunday Chidzambwa, Shaw “Kojak” Handriade, Kuda Muchemeyi, Oliver Kateya and Ernest Kamba.

“Steven Chisango, David Gwanzura, Elisha Gejo, Shacky Tauro and Peter Agostino were some of the players who started for CAPS United.

“Shaya was the creator for DeMbare, he created all three goals for the Glamour Boys while Tauro and Agostinho were on target for Makepekepe before the Harare Derby featuring Dynamos and CAPS United, the rivalry in the capital was to an extent between DeMbare and Black Aces.

But, the arrival of a strong CAPS United in 1977 gave birth to what is now called the Harare Derby.

“The derby grew into the 1980s.

“When some stars faded new ones came like the Chunga brothers and Gift “Ghetto” Mpariwa at Dynamos.

“CAPS United had perhaps the deadliest midfield partnership ever, the one that featured Joel Shambo, Stanford Mtizwa and Stanley Ndunduma.

“It was world class to say the least.

“The Harare derby has driven to great lengths to shape top-flight football in Zimbabwe.

“Every time CAPS United meet Dynamos ever since 1977, when United were promoted into the top flight, there has always been a buzz of excitement,” Mabika said.

There have been a number of mouthwatering derbies along the way.

In 1996, a title decider that ended 1-1 at Rufaro, with CAPS United defender, Mpumelelo “Era Muna” Dzowa, scoring a last gasp free-kick past Muzadzi.

CAPS United’s 2-1 win on May 9, 2004 is also still being talked about, just as much as the 3-3 draw at the National Sports in 2017.

“But then, something went out of the derby, maybe because of the shortage of stars from both sides.

“As the new millennium dawned it still had some sparkle but you could see the decline, and by the time we entered the 2010s, the derby was as good as dead,” reckons Mabika.

According to Mabika, a handful of stars have lit up the derby in recent years, unlike in the 1980s when both sides boasted fire-power.

“There has been Denver Mukamba from Dynamos, Nyasha Mushekwi and Hardlife Zvirekwi for CAPS United, just to name a few.

“The raw flair, the raw pomp and fanfare that was produced by the Harare derby back in the 70s and 80s, and to a large extent the 90s, seemed to die down.

“I hope this one as we wait for it, will try and resuscitate the excitement. We just await that with so much eagerness because the Harare derby was the best ever seen in the capital for a very long time.”

CAPS United host Dynamos at Rufaro on Sunday, in a highly anticipated clash that has been spiced by the fact that both sides are fighting against relegation.

DeMbare are third from bottom with 29 points, just three behind Makepekepe.