Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, Zimpapers Sports Hub
THIS Sunday Dynamos will clash against their newly established bitter rivals, Scottland FC, at Rufaro Stadium in Harare, in what promises to be a highly charged encounter.
The match is made even more intense by the increasing pressure on DeMbare coach Lloyd Chigowe to deliver a win, against a backdrop of growing fan impatience and persistent rumours linking Hendrik Pieter De Jongh, the former Highlanders and FC Platinum coach, to the club.
While De Jongh has currently dismissed the replacement speculations, a loss for Chigowe in this emotionally charged rivalry could prove unforgivable to the Dynamos faithful.
“I have no idea. I am free of contract. I am in Kenya. And every club in Zimbabwe (also outside Zimbabwe) knows that I always deliver and bring clubs to the next level,” said De Jongh.
Despite De Jongh’s denials, the pressure on Chigowe remains intense. Fan impatience is growing due to inconsistent performances and reports of dressing room tensions, making Sunday’s clash potentially decisive for Chigowe and his staff. Scottland FC, arriving in good form and confident, present a significant challenge to a defensively vulnerable Dynamos.
A home defeat, especially against their disliked rivals, could well spell the end of Chigowe’s time at the club.
Dynamos currently sit in the bottom four with only eight points from nine games, having won just once and drawn five. In contrast, Scottland are third with 16 points, three behind leaders MWOS. This match is about more than just points; it’s for Harare bragging rights.
Elsewhere, Chicken Inn coach Joey Antipas also faces a crucial game against league leaders MWOS at Luveve Stadium, with both experienced managers surprisingly going into their must-win fixtures against newly promoted sides as underdogs.
Meanwhile, Highlanders head coach Kelvin Kaindu is hoping to end his side’s away drought when they visit Yadah at Heart Stadium on Saturday. Buoyed by a 1-0 midweek win, Kaindu admitted; “The victory from the midweek game should give us the motivation to win the next game. There is still work to be done, especially the mistakes we make, from our defenders.”
Boosted by the return of midfielders Mason Mushore and Melikhaya Ncube from suspension, Bosso will be aiming for their first away win to sharpen both attack and defence. While strong at home with three wins and a draw, their away form has been poor, with four draws and one loss in five matches.
Elsewhere, TelOne play Bikita Minerals, FC Platinum face Ngezi Platinum, and champions Simba Bhora take on GreenFuel.
Weekend Fixtures
Saturday
TelOne v Bikita Minerals, Yadah v Highlanders, FC Platinum v Ngezi Platinum, ZPC Kariba v CAPS United, Simba Bhora v GreenFuel
Sunday
Dynamos v Scottland, Chicken Inn v MWOS, Manica Diamonds v Kwekwe United
Monday
Herentals v Triangle United
