Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi
Zimpapers Sports Hub
NEW players, same old stage.
This is a rivalry that has stood the test of time.
A lot has been said about the challenges at Dynamos and Highlanders, but one thing that has remained constant is that the Battle of Zimbabwe is still alive.
From back in the day, the players from both sides usually reserve their best for this game. The old rivals are expecting the same intensity in the latest instalment at Rufaro tomorrow.
Dynamos coach Genesis Mangombe, who returned this season for a second stint is not new but his opposite number Benjani Mwaruwari is.
The former Zimbabwe skipper was appointed to the Bosso hot seat during pre-season and he understands what the Battle of Zimbabwe means to the two camps.
Mwaruwari tasted success against Dynamos when he led the Bulawayo giants to a 1-0 win in the Jairos Jiri Charity Cup at Barbourfields exactly one month ago.
“It was a charity game and we were in preparation for the season and I don’t want to read much into that game and depend on that one,” he told journalists at yesterday’s pre-match press conference.
Caution and pessimistic attitude will be his team’s weapon.
“Every game is different and we are going there we all know that this game is special and self-motivating. We will try our best and hopefully we will come out with three points,” said Mwaruwari.
The Bosso coach had a false start in his tenure at the helm last week after the giants had to come from behind and force a 1-1 draw against Bulawayo Chiefs.
But he was also buoyed by the return of defender Andrew Mbeba whose contract talks with the club almost collapsed during the week.
The parties finally reached a consensus and Mbeba will stay on until 2028.
Mwaruwari was also thrilled by the arrival of new signing Isaac Ngoma, with the club having to fast-track the processing of the duo’s licences so that they will be available for selection tomorrow.
Dynamos were also still pushing for the registration of new midfielder Calum English-Brown, who returned from United Kingdom to revive his career at the giants.
English Brown, a free agent, is one of the several new recruits for Dynamos that are set to see action for the first time in the famed Battle of Zimbabwe.
Congolese defender Isaac Landu, Malawian Stanley Billiat, Ghanaian Christopher Nakai Netty and locals Perfect Chikwende, Collin Mujuru, Mandlenkosi Mlilo, Moses Demera, Witness Shave, Elton Njini and newly-signed defender Hastings Chapusha who was immediately registered will be pushing for starting places.
Dynamos chairman Vincent Chawonza yesterday told Zimpapers Sports Hub that they have thoroughly prepared their new recruits.
“For us all the games are huge, but because of the long-standing football rivalries and the rich history behind the two teams makes it exceptional,” said Chawonza.
“Of course, we have a number of new players but regardless of the experience (in the Battle of Zimbabwe) we have emphasised the importance of the badge itself.
“Once you don the colours of Dynamos it should be self-motivating to any local player because Dynamos is a big team with rich history.
“By now they should understand the monster they represent.”
Dynamos are buzzing with confidence as they are coming from a 2-1 away win at TelOne courtesy of goals from Ghanaian Frank Agyemang and Jairos Kasondo, who are both expected to lay a big part tomorrow.
“We know the environment is different. We should expect a huge crowd and a loud atmosphere. This is what happens most of the times when these two giants meet,” Chawonza said.
“But it’s nothing new. I am sure some of the guys experienced it when we played Highlanders in the Jairos Jiri Cup last month.
“Barbourfields was filled almost to capacity, but these guys stood their ground. It was unfortunate we lost the game but that outing I am sure prepared them for such big games.
“So, we expect a big fight from them on Sunday.”
Makepekepe, Students in derby tie
Dynamos’ crosstown rivals CAPS United will be looking to continue on their winning ways when they host Herentals at Rufaro this afternoon.
The Green Machine have been touted to be one of the teams to beat this season after assembling a strong unit under 2023 title winning coach, Takesure Chiragwi.
But Herentals have always proved tricky opponents. Makepekepe have not won a match against Herentals in their previous three meetings.
The Harare giants nonetheless demonstrated their capabilities by dispatching newboys AGAMA 2-1 in their opening match of the season while Herentals were held 1-1 at home by Chicken Inn.
An interesting match is expected at Ngoni Stadium this afternoon as hosts MWOS and visiting TelOne seek redemption after dropping points in the opening weekend.
MWOS were held to a 1-1 draw by newcomers FC Hunters while TelOne suffered 1-2 defeat to Dynamos.
And MWOS coach Lloyd Mutasa is anticipating a difficult outing.
“We are playing a wounded lion. It’s a bit tricky. We know that they will come at us. They would not like to lose a second game on the trot but we are playing at home.
“We need to excite our fans and take the three points.
“We know it could be difficult but we will try as much as we can to give a good shift so that we start our home match on a positive note,” said Mutasa.
The former midfielder believes they have been working hard on all the handicaps identified in the game against FC Hunters.
“The positive is that we didn’t concede a goal and even as we went forward, we created a few chances but the execution and the conversion rate was not as directly proportional to the chances we created. So, we will probably be looking at polishing our attack as well as enhancing our defence,” said Mutasa.
PSL newboys Hardrock will also be searching for their first win when they travel to ZPC Kariba this afternoon.
After assembling an expensive side for their Premiership debut, Hardrock began their life in the Premiership with a goalless draw at home against champions Scottland.
Goalkeeper Martin Mapisa is again not be available for selection as he is still recovering from an injury he sustained during pre-season.
That injury also bowled Mapisa out of Warriors selection for a Four -Nation tournament in Botswana at the end of this month.
Tonderai Mateyaunga is tipped to get the nod between goals.
Their coach Kelvin Kaindu remained cautious, especially as ZPC Kariba are in high spirits following their 0-1 away win at Triangle last week.
“This is our second league game; we are playing away from home where we are facing a ZPC Kariba side that is coming from an away victory.
“We also know that they have kept their stadium to be a fortress. They rarely drop points when they play at home.
“We are also putting into mind that the weather conditions haven’t been good in the last few days. We hope and anticipate that it will be a dry and sunny day for us to play,” said Kaindu.
Former champions FC Platinum are also looking for the breakthrough when they host Manica Diamonds at Mandava this afternoon.
Former Zimbabwe international Joel Luphahla, who took charge of the Zvishavane side during the pre-season, believes the wet conditions that affected many local matches last week contributed to their 2-1 away defeat to Ngezi Platinum Stars.
Luphahla is, however, confident they will be able turn around the tables at home.
“We are better prepared for these conditions and I think we will be better than how we played.
“We need to make sure that we give confidence to our people. This is our first game at home. We cannot afford to start with a draw.
“We need to go all out and make sure that we get the three points. And if we get the three points, they will give us confidence going into the midweek in Harare (against FC Hunters). So, this is a game that we are taking very seriously.
“We want to make sure that we consolidate our home advantage. And make sure that we give our fans the three points that they deserve,” said Luphahla.
Fixtures:
Today: MWOS v TelOne (Ngoni), Simba Bhora v FC Hunters (Wadzanayi), FC Platinum v Manica Diamonds (Mandava), ZPC Kariba v Hardrock (Nyamhunga), Chicken Inn v Triangle (Barbourfields), CAPS Utd v Herentals (Rufaro)
Tomorrow: AGAMA v Bulawayo Chiefs (Wadzanayi), Dynamos v Highlanders (Rufaro)
Peter Tanyanyiwa