Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda-Zimpapers Sports Hub
ONCE again, the Battle of Zimbabwe is being fought today at a time the country’s two football giants, Dynamos and Highlanders, are nowhere near the top of the table.
Yet that changes nothing.
Barbourfields will still be packed. Conversations will still be dominated by Bosso and DeMbare. Careers will still be judged by what happens over 90 minutes.
Highlanders goalkeeper Aaron “Arusha” Ngwenya perhaps summed it up best.
“This is not just a game, it’s more than a game, it’s the best game in Zimbabwean football,” he said.
Ngwenya has never faced Dynamos as a Highlanders player, but he already understands the weight this fixture carries.
Only a point separates the sides heading into this afternoon’s showdown at Emagumeni, with Dynamos sixth on 29 points and Highlanders one place and one point behind.
Both teams come into the match in good form.
Dynamos thumped TelOne 3-0 at Rufaro last weekend and are unbeaten in their last six matches.
Highlanders beat city rivals Bulawayo Chiefs 2-1 after also accounting for Agama in their previous outing.
“We have to be at our best,” said Ngwenya.
“We have to be better than we were in our last game. This could be my first game against Dynamos playing for Highlanders and I know it will not be easy. We have to give it our all.”
The reverse fixture at Rufaro produced four goals and a memorable performance from Mongameli Tshuma, whose brilliant solo effort helped Bosso secure a 2-2 draw.
Dynamos will look up to Ghanaian striker Frank Agyemang, whose eight goals have made him one of the league’s most dangerous forwards.
Highlanders have found inspiration in Nigerian striker Benjamin Adeogun, who was on target in last weekend’s victory over Bulawayo Chiefs.
Beyond the players, much of the focus will fall on the two men in the dugout.
Genesis Mangombe and Benjani Mwaruwari have both spent the season under scrutiny.
Dynamos have shown signs of improvement under Mangombe, but the demands at DeMbare rarely allow a coach much breathing space.
“I think we are moving in the right direction, but you know the demands at Dynamos. It’s not something easy,” said Mangombe.
“At times you have to be brave and make your own decisions.
“If the team is not winning, everyone wants to be involved in trying to make sure they force you to change the team, the style of play and also the arsenal you have.
“The team did not perform so well last season, but this time we have already scored the number of goals that we scored for the whole season last year.”
Across the technical area will be Mwaruwari, who has lost only twice in 18 league matches since taking charge of Highlanders.
The former Warriors captain has brought stability and a more attractive brand of football, but some supporters remain unconvinced.
Highlanders team manager Zenzo Moyo has repeatedly called for patience.
“Something is cooking, give the coach time,” he said.
A victory this afternoon would strengthen either coach’s standing with supporters.
That is the nature of this fixture.
Results are remembered. Heroes are made. Defeats linger.
Dynamos have not beaten Highlanders at Barbourfields in open play since 2014.
Last season’s encounter at the same venue ended 1-1, with Brian Mlotshwa scoring for Bosso before Jairos Kasondo equalised for DeMbare.
