Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, Zimpapers Sports Hub
HIGHLANDERS coach Kelvin Kaindu believes Sunday’s Castle Lager Premier Soccer League showdown with Dynamos remains one of the country’s biggest fixtures — regardless of current form.
Bosso head into the clash on the back of consecutive defeats to ZPC Kariba and Herentals, while Dynamos find themselves deep in the relegation zone after a dismal start to the season that led to the sacking of coach Lloyd Chigowe, who has since been replaced by Saul Chaminuka.
If the “Battle of Zimbabwe” title isn’t enough to stir the Bosso camp, then the painful memories etched in Kaindu’s own history with Dynamos certainly are. The Zambian tactician twice lost the league title to Dynamos on goal difference in 2012 and 2013 — reminders of just how much is at stake. On that basis, Rufaro Stadium on Sunday remains very much game on.
“This game remains a big game. If you look at the past, these games have come at a time when both teams are doing well. Regardless of where they are on the table, I think this is a different game. This is totally a different game. There is a lot at stake, just for you to pick up those maximum points. It definitely brings back confidence.
“Results are always different — there’s a win, a loss, and there’s also a draw. But I think it becomes a bit difficult and a bit complex when you record two successive losses. The most important thing is how you rise from there. Sometimes you can see it in the body language, the mentality, the effort that everyone is putting in. And this week, you can tell that everyone is geared up. Everyone knows this is not just a game. This is a big game,” Kaindu said.
While Dynamos are battling their own demons, Highlanders have a chance to bounce back and reignite their title challenge. “I think there’s a lot our boys can do. You can see the concentration, you can see how everyone is pushing — putting in maximum effort just to be part of the team against Dynamos,” said Kaindu.
He will, however, be without the injured Archford Faira, but defender Talent Dube and goalkeeper Ariel Sibanda have returned to training and are in contention for selection.
Kick-off has been brought forward to 14:00 to accommodate players set to travel for national duty.
Sunday’s match promises to be a test of character — and a reminder of the enduring power of Zimbabwe’s most iconic football rivalry.
But can it live up to the battles of old?
