Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THIS afternoon, the biggest fixture in Zimbabwean football returns to its spiritual home; the Harare Derby is back at Rufaro Stadium.
It is more than just a match. It is history, pride and a city divided by colours — Blue and Green.
On paper, CAPS United look the more promising.
The Green Machine boast a vibrant cast of talent, including the industrious Jean Mutudza; the technically gifted Kundai Benyu; midfield dynamo Tanaka Shandirwa; livewire Junior Bunjira; and the explosive Jayden Bakari, who was on target when CAPS United triumphed 2-1 in the last league derby.
Dynamos, on the other hand, look a pale shadow of their former selves.
Apart from skipper Emmanuel Jalai and the ever-reliable Shadreck Nyahwa, the Glamour Boys have struggled to find rhythm, scoring just two goals in their first 11 games.
The question lingers: Can anyone rise to the occasion and leave a mark on this storied rivalry, just like Oscar Machapa once did for both armies, Blue and Green?
When it comes to the Harare Derby, few players have stood taller than the Mabvuku-born midfield enforcer.
Machapa did not just feature in the derby, he dominated it.
“There is no better fixture than the Harare Derby to prove your worth as a footballer,” said Machapa.
“These games are always legendary, from the 1970s. It is about the atmosphere, the fans and, most importantly, about the players.”
A rare football chameleon, Machapa was a driving force for both Dynamos and CAPS United at different stages of his career, producing masterclasses in this heated fixture regardless of the jersey he wore.
He first lit up the derby on Easter Monday in 2009.
Wearing the green of CAPS United, Machapa was the heartbeat of the team as Makepekepe floored Dynamos 2-0 at Rufaro.
That day, he ran riot on the left flank, leaving Dynamos defender Sam Mutenheri chasing shadows. Two of his seven successful take-ons led directly to goals finished by Nyasha Mushekwi.
“I still recall that game with a smile,” he said.
“That match was tense and players from both sides threw their all into it. You could see the hunger and passion from everyone on the pitch.”
His relentless energy earned him the nickname Mahindra. Like the hardy truck, he bulldozed through anything in his path.
And he was not done yet.
Four years later, after a stint with Moroka Swallows in South Africa, Machapa returned, but this time donning the Dynamos blue.
In a near-mirror performance of 2009, he locked horns with CAPS defender Ronald Pfumbidzai, beating him down the right channel and unleashing a curling rocket into the top corner. It was the only goal of the match, sealing victory for the Glamour Boys.
“Derbies were so sweet back then. I really enjoyed the games,” he said.
“It is the players who should make this fixture exciting.”
Now retired, Machapa has become a passionate ambassador for the derby’s heritage.
And, as the current generation prepares to take the field, he believes the magic of the derby still lies within the players themselves.
“These are the guys who need to make things happen. Once they get into the game with the right attitude, they will make it interesting,” he said.
“They must also know that heroes are born out of this fixture.”
With CAPS United looking to build on their momentum and Dynamos desperate to find their spark, Machapa’s words ring louder than ever.
“You get to be remembered for a long time if you stand out in this match,” he said.
“There is a lot at stake. There is the issue of bragging rights. You look at the giant step either side can take if they win this game.”
As thousands pack Rufaro this afternoon, one thing is clear: the Harare Derby does not just create footballers, it creates legends.
And Machapa will forever be one of them.
Online Reporter