Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi-Zimpapers Sports Hub
DYNAMOS captain Shadreck Nyahwa returns to familiar territory in Bulawayo tomorrow with a chance to end a 12-year winless run for the Glamour Boys at Barbourfields.
DeMbare face old foe and biggest rivals Highlanders in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Battle of Zimbabwe showdown, looking for their first league win over Bosso in open play at Barbourfields since 2014.
Born and raised in Mzilikazi, Nyahwa said the derby always feels like a homecoming, but this time the focus is on results.
The 27-year-old gritty midfielder grew up in Mzilikazi, where his football journey began at Baines Junior School before continuing at Mzilikazi High School, deep in one of the country’s most football passionate townships.
This week, those roots came calling again as Nyahwa prepared to return to familiar ground with a mission to stay within touching distance of the chasing pack.
However, Barbourfields has become an unforgiving venue for DeMbare in recent years, especially in their high-profile clashes with Bosso.
At best, the Glamour Boys have managed draws and the prolonged drought appears to have grown into a psychological barrier over time.
Nyahwa, who took over the captain’s armband at the start of the season, is now chasing history, hoping to become the first Dynamos skipper to lead his side to victory at Barbourfields since Kalisto Pasuwa was coach and Murape Murape the captain in 2014.
“It’s always a big motivation to play a team like Highlanders. The players are ready to go to Barbourfields and win,” Nyahwa said.
“We haven’t won there against Highlanders for some time, but this year we are in a better space. You need to be at your best and I am sure the guys are ready.”
Dynamos arrive in the City of Kings having struck some good form, unbeaten in five matches and top scorers in the league with 26 goals in 17 games.
Ghanaian winger Frank Agyemang and Jairos Kasondo have led the attack under coach Genesis Mangombe.
Defence remains a concern for Mangombe with 16 goals conceded, but Nyahwa said the experience of Abel Gwatidzo, Hastings Chapusha and Wisdom Mutasa has brought stability.
DeMbare have also benefited from the industry of Telmore Pio and the experience of Perfect Chikwende and Isaac Landu.
Highlanders’ build-up was disrupted this week after senior players reportedly boycotted training over unpaid salaries.
But Nyahwa said Dynamos were not distracted and would not be fooled into believing that Bosso will not be ready for battle.
“We are not paying attention to any of that. We know Highlanders are a good side, whether they train or not,” he added.
Dynamos and Highlanders square off at a time when just a point and a rung separate the giants of the domestic game on the Premiership log standings.
Nyahwa and his troops sit sixth on 29 points, one ahead of seventh-placed Bosso.
Both sides need victory as they are eight and nine points behind log leaders can champions Scottland.
Scottland will be in action 24 hours earlier when they face a cagey assignment away against 2023 champions Ngezi Platinum Stars at Baobab where the miners rarely lose.
Nyahwa believes his familiarity with the environment in Bulawayo could work in Dynamos’ favour.
“I am from Bulawayo and I don’t have any problems playing Highlanders at Barbourfields. I have played there several times.
“We have experienced guys that played for many teams in Zimbabwe. We have been playing at Rufaro, it’s all the same with Barbourfields. Dynamos is at home everywhere,” Nyahwa said.
Under coach Genesis Mangombe, Dynamos have played some positive, attacking football this season.
Their sharpness in front of goal has been evident, with 26 goals scored in 17 matches — the highest tally in the league so far. Log leaders Scottland trail closely with 25.
But lack of consistency has often pegged back Dynamos who look a far much improved side from the one that flirted with relegation last season.
Defensively, Dynamos have not done so well and conceded 16 goals.
“We have many senior players and it’s our duty to guide the others who are playing the Battle of Zimbabwe for the first time. We need to be at the same level,” he said.
Castle Lager Premiership Fixtures:
Today: Bulawayo Chiefs v AGAMA (Luveve), TelOne v MWOS (Ascot), FC Hunters v Simba Bhora (Heart), Ngezi Platinum Stars v Scottland (Baobab), Herentals v CAPS United (Rufaro)
Tomorrow: Hardrock v ZPC Kariba (Chahwanda), Manica Diamonds v FC Platinum (Sakubva), Triangle United v Chicken Inn (Gibbo), Highlanders v Dynamos (Barbourfields)
