It’s a battle of the Lloyds at Rufaro

Langton Nyakwenda

THE last time Lloyd “MaBlanyo” Chigowe took charge of Dynamos in a Harare Derby was in October 2018, when DeMbare edged their rivals 2-1 at Rufaro Stadium.

Then, Dynamos were battling against relegation, while CAPS United were safe, but without a chance to win the league title.

It was a battle of the Lloyds, which Chigowe won against CAPS United’s Lloyd Chitembwe, and in the process ensured Dynamos stayed in the Premiership. That was also the last time Chigowe took charge in the Harare Derby as he was fired in March 2019.

The lanky and outspoken gaffer is back in charge after replacing Genesis Mangombe two months ago.

Chigowe has once again endeared himself with the Dynamos faithful, especially after a decent run in the CAF Confederation Cup in which they almost reached the money-spinning group stage.

Unlike in 2018, there is nothing much to play for in this latest edition of the Harare Derby as both DeMbare and Makepekepe are out of the league championship race.

They are also both safe from relegation. But bragging rights and the possibility of a top-four finish are at stake.

Bragging rights are in fact a huge source of pride among the two giants’ demanding fans.

They clash again this afternoon at Rufaro, in a game that Chigowe has described as a “humdinger”.

He really likes this word.

“Like I always say, it’s a humdinger of a match,” he said, before breaking into laughter.

Both teams are tied on 38 points and this clash is more about who finishes better when the league concludes in six weeks.

“It’s going to be a tough game, but we hope to give the fans what they expect from a derby. We have got the quality and we hope to do well tomorrow (today),” said Chigowe.

Skipper Frank Makarati has been training after suffering minor injuries in an accident a fortnight ago.

The midfield pair of Tanaka Shandirwa and Donald Mudadi is ready for selection.

“The boys are raring to go; they know this is a derby. Yes, back in 2018, I was in charge and we beat CAPS United, but this one is a different ball game altogether,” said Chigowe.

“The squad has changed and a lot has changed since October 2018.”

Right-back Emmanuel Jalai is the only survivor from that squad and he is expected to play a key role this afternoon.

The Dynamos vice captain will be part of a back-four that could have a daunting task of containing Makepekepe’s frontline.

The league’s top-scorer William Manondo has been in terrific form for the Green Machine. He has banged 12 goals and has remained on course to bag a second Golden Boot in two years, after winning the gong in 2022 for scoring 17 goals for Makepekepe.

He faces stiff competition from Yadah star Khama Billiat and Lynoth Chikuhwa of Highlanders.

Winger Junior Bunjira is also a major drawcard for CAPS. His mazy runs and pinpoint crosses could pose some problems for goalkeeper Martin Mapisa and his defence.

Bunjira could decide the game for CAPS United, who are seeking their first league win against Dynamos since 2019.

The last time Makepekepe beat DeMbare in the league was on November 24, 2019.

CAPS United’s form has dipped in recent weeks.

Before the loss in Hwange and last weekend’s 1-1 draw against Yadah at Rufaro, Makepekepe had hit a purple patch that saw them register four wins and a draw.

Not only are they motivated to break the jinx today, but Makepekepe are also trying to gain more points so that they finish on top of their rivals.

“If you look at the position that we are on the log table, Dynamos is one team that we are in serious competition with,” CAPS United assistant coach Tonderai Marume said.

“At the end of the day, each one of us will want to finish in a better position than the other, although they have games in hand.

“It’s a good time to play this fixture because the two rivals are tied on points and they are also aiming to finish strong since we are both mathematically out of the title race.”

The highly anticipated first derby at Rufaro in five years was a lively show that eventually ended 1-1 in May. Mangombe was still in charge of Dynamos, but Chigowe is
back on the steering wheel and is hoping to get another one over his namesake, Chitembwe.