admin
Ricky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter—
POLICE in Bulawayo yesterday issued a stern warning to would-be hooligans ahead of the Highlanders-Dynamos encounter at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday, saying they would clamp down on any riotous behaviour. Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Precious Simango said they will not tolerate any uncouth behaviour in and around the stadium.
“Our message has always been clear that we don’t tolerate violence. Would-be offenders are warned against causing chaos in and outside the stadium as we’ll be there in full force. We want people to enjoy football and head back to their respective places without any disturbance,” said Inspector Simango.
The warning comes a day after Dynamos president Kenny Mubaiwa wrote to the Premier Soccer League threatening not to fulfil the much anticipated encounter if there are no security guarantees for his team.
Mubaiwa’s statements are likely to cause alarm and despondency among fans and the PSL, who have been on a massive anti-hooliganism campaign.
PSL chief executive officer Kennedy Ndebele has encouraged fans to exercise restraint and also challenged football leaders to be careful with their statements.
“The issue of violence at the stadia is something that clubs deliberated on during our meeting. No one wants to go to a violent environment, hence the move to organise a security workshop for our clubs so that they improve stadia safety. However, as a league, we encourage leaders to issue responsible statements, which are mature and don’t incite or are emotional,” Ndebele said.
Sunday presents the fading Bulawayo giants an opportunity to destroy the DeMbare bogey.
Bosso’s hopes of ending nine winless years against the old enemy rest in coach Bongani Mafu’s hands.
The hard-to-please Bosso fans have been on Mafu’s case since the start of the season because of the team’s inconsistent performances, particularly at home.
Highlanders lie ninth on the table with a paltry 21 points from 16 outings, while Dynamos are fourth with 28 points, two behind leaders Chicken Inn.
A victory against Dynamos will turn Mafu into an overnight hero as Bosso fans take great satisfaction in beating DeMbare than anything else.
Highlanders last beat Dynamos in 2006; the year that the Bulawayo giants, then under the guidance of Methembe Ndlovu, last won the Premiership title.
That season, Highlanders edged DeMbare 1-0 at Rufaro Stadium in the first encounter before pounding them 2-0 at Barbourfields Stadium.
Since then, Highlanders have not known the feeling of collecting maximum points against Dynamos in their last 17 league matches. They have only forced seven draws and lost the rest.
Dynamos have already sent a loud statement of intent by re-signing former strikers Roderick Mutuma and Takesure Chinyama in the current transfer window.
Mutuma, scorer of Dynamos’ winning goal against Bosso at Barbourfields last season, rejoined the defending champions from Caps United where he spent the opening half of the season.
Chinyama has been clubless and is likely to get a Premiership run against Bosso, a side he last scored against in DeMbare colours before moving to Orlando Pirates in 2012.
Dynamos have also signed forward Ralph Kawondera from Triangle United to bolster their strikeforce.
While Dynamos have been busy reinforcing their side, Highlanders have been quiet on the transfer market.
The Bulawayo giants failed to sign striker Ishmael Wadi from Bulawayo City and will have to rely on experienced forward Obidiah Tarumbwa.
Vice-captain Erick Mudzingwa is in contention for a return to the starting line-up after missing the last game through suspension.
It is not yet clear if striker Thomas Chideu, who has since signed for Ajax Cape Town, will be available for Bosso on Sunday.
Highlanders-Dynamos Stats
2001: Highlanders 1-1 Dynamos (Bulawayo), Dynamos 0-1 Highlanders (Harare)
2002: Dynamos 0-0 Highlanders (Harare), Highlanders 0-1 Dynamos (Bulawayo)
2003: Highlanders 0-3 Dynamos (Bulawayo), Dynamos 2-0 Highlanders (Harare)
2004: Highlanders 2-1 Dynamos (Bulawayo), Dynamos 0-1 Highlanders (Harare)
2005: Dynamos 0-0 Highlanders (Harare), Highlanders 1-1 Dynamos (Bulawayo)
2006: Dynamos 0-1 Highlanders (Harare), Highlanders 2-1 Dynamos (Bulawayo)
2007: Highlanders 1-2 Dynamos (Bulawayo), Dynamos 0-0 Highlanders (Harare)
2008: Highlanders 1-1 Dynamos (Bulawayo), Dynamos 1-1 Highlanders (Harare)
2009: Dynamos 4-0 Highlanders (Harare), Highlanders 0-1 Dynamos (Bulawayo)
2010: Dynamos 1-0 Highlanders (Harare), Highlanders 0-3 Dynamos (Bulawayo, after disciplinary hearing. Match had been abandoned due to crowd violence with Dynamos leading 2-1)
2011: Highlanders 0-0 Dynamos (Bulawayo), Dynamos 3-1 Highlanders (Harare)
2012: Highlanders 1-1 Dynamos (Bulawayo), Dynamos 1-1 Highlanders (Harare)
2013: Dynamos 1-1 Highlanders (Harare), Highlanders 0-1 Dynamos (Bulawayo)
2014: Dynamos 1-0 Highlanders (Harare), Highlanders 0-1 Dynamos (Bulawayo)
2015: Dynamos 3-2 Highlanders (Harare), Highlanders ?-? Dynamos (Bulawayo)
P W D L Pts
Dynamos 29 13 11 5 50
Highlanders 29 5 11 13 26
Online Reporter