Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube, [email protected]
DYNAMOS and Highlanders head into their blockbuster Castle Lager Premiership clash at Barbourfields on Sunday on the back of victories, with confidence high on both sides.
There is every reason to expect Zimbabwe’s biggest league fixture to draw a capacity crowd, especially in a season where both teams have shown far more competitiveness than they did last year.
Both clubs only survived relegation at the death last season, but their current positions — sixth and seventh on the table after 18 matches — and being just nine points behind leaders Scottland have given supporters renewed belief.
Dynamos sit in sixth position with 29 points. They have played 17 matches, with their 18th fixture still subject to a disciplinary hearing following crowd trouble that led to the abandonment of their match against Hardrock in Kwekwe last month.
At the time referee Mhaka Magara called off the game, the two sides were level at 1-1.
Highlanders, on the other hand, endured a difficult start to the season despite high expectations under a technical team made up of club legends. Head coach Benjani Mwaruwari is assisted by Bekithemba Ndlovu and Mkhokheli Dube, with Zenzo Moyo serving as team welfare manager.
They also boast the experience of championship-winning physical conditioning trainer Majaha Ndlovu and enjoy the backing of one of the most passionate fan bases in the country. That support has remained strong even during difficult periods, with large crowds continuing to turn out at matches throughout the season, including when the club hovered around 11th position for much of the campaign.
At one stage, relegation looked a real threat, and with a squad lacking experience, the team often relied heavily on the “12th man” — their supporters — to push them forward and unsettle opponents.
Now, back-to-back victories have lifted spirits ahead of the clash with Dynamos, a rivalry that dates back to 1976 when Highlanders dropped out of the top flight, claiming Dynamos had been favoured. That season, Dynamos went on to win the Castle Cup and a regional competition involving South African teams, fuelling one of the fiercest rivalries in Zimbabwean football.
Highlanders come into the game after a 1-0 win over Agama last Thursday, followed by a late 2-1 victory over Bulawayo Chiefs on Sunday, where the winning goal came in the closing stages.
Dynamos, meanwhile, were ruthless in their last outing, beating struggling TelOne 3-0 at Rufaro Stadium on Saturday.
Sunday’s encounter presents both teams with a chance to break into the top five, currently occupied by Scottland (37 points), CAPS United (33), Hardrock (32), Ngezi Platinum (32) and Herentals (30).
While their meetings have always attracted attention, the stakes now feel even higher. Dynamos supporters have rallied behind coach Genesis Mangombe, chairman Vincent Chawonza and the club’s leadership, creating a sense of unity that could help the team return to its former heights.
Highlanders coach Mwaruwari, however, has urged caution despite the recent wins, warning against complacency.
“We are still struggling in some areas those areas need to be corrected. I know if we win two games back to back people may think we on the right, we still have to fix a lot of things,” said Mwaruwari.
He added that going into the next match on the back of victories is always beneficial, as it boosts confidence within the squad.
Sunday’s match offers players from both sides the opportunity to prove themselves and lay claim to being the standard-bearers of their generation.
Over the years, this fixture has produced legendary performances from players such as Madinda Ndlovu, Nhamo Shambira, Willard Khumalo, Titus Majola, Zenzo Moyo, Peter Nkomo and Douglas Mloyi for Highlanders.
Dynamos have also had their icons rise to the occasion in this fixture, with names like Sunday Chidzambwa, Kenneth Jere, Moses Chunga, Memory Mucherahowa, Clayton Munemo, Max Mkaza-Lunga and Lucky Dube leaving their mark.
The upcoming clash has already generated huge interest, with the Premier Soccer League introducing pre-sale tickets for the fixture — a first for a Bulawayo match — highlighting the scale of anticipation surrounding the game.
