Last shot at glory: Crisis-hit DeMbare, Bosso battle for final lifeline

Innocent Kurira, Zimpapers Sports Hub

TOMORROW afternoon, the greatest rivalry in Zimbabwean football will be decided.
With their respective league campaigns mired in crisis, the Chibuku Super Cup semi-final at Rufaro Stadium represents the final lifeline for both Dynamos and Highlanders.

After two fiercely contested league draws this season — the first a goalless stalemate, the second a thrilling 1-1 encounter last weekend — neither side can afford another impasse.

For the two biggest clubs in the country, who are shockingly facing the prospect of relegation from the top-flight league, defeat here would be a catastrophic final blow, leaving a frustrating year utterly empty.

Tomorrow, one giant must finally fall, ensuring a place in the final and a chance to end the season with the silverware their passionate fans desperately crave.

The Chibuku Super Cup provides a welcome distraction from the difficult league campaigns both giants of Zimbabwean football are currently enduring.

The latest meeting between the two sides last weekend in Bulawayo ended in a 1–1 draw, with Brian Mlotshwa striking first for Highlanders before Jairos Kasondo equalised for Dynamos.

The reverse league fixture at Rufaro earlier in the season also produced a goalless stalemate.
This time, however, there will be no room for a third successive deadlock; penalties will separate the teams if they finish level after extra time.

Danisa Phiri, a rare player who uniquely featured for both clubs during his career, believes Sunday’s semi-final carries enormous weight for the nation’s most decorated teams.

“This is a season face-saver for both Dynamos and Highlanders. Both sides have struggled to find their rhythm in the league, and this cup has become their only realistic chance to finish the season with something to show for their efforts.

They will have to give it absolutely everything.”
Phiri also dismisses the notion of a home advantage in this particular fixture.

“It’s difficult to predict how it will go because these matches are never about form. They’re about pride, belief, and moments. The venue doesn’t matter – Highlanders are comfortable at Rufaro, just as Dynamos are comfortable at Barbourfields – so there’s no home advantage here.

Both teams know what this means to their supporters, and that’s what will drive them. I honestly see this one being decided on penalties,” said Phiri.

Defending champions Dynamos head into the tie with two key players missing: playmaker Denver Mukamba and striker Jairos Kasondo are both suspended after collecting two yellow cards.

Their absence will severely test coach Kelvin Kaindu’s tactical depth as he faces his former club for the second time since taking the job in Harare.

Highlanders, now managed by Pieter De Jongh, have also had a turbulent campaign, but the Dutchman is no stranger to cup success, having guided Bosso to the Chibuku title back in 2019.