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In a snap survey conducted in the city yesterday, football lovers on the streets of Bulawayo said the weekend game is likely to be a thriller as both sides have a lot to gain.
Mpiyabo Ncube, a diehard Highlanders supporter was confident that his team would grab maximum points.
“It’s a tricky game but I think our boys can stand the heat. We are definitely going to win the game. We don’t care that Dynamos are coming from Africa, I believe KK (Kelvin Kaindu the Highlanders coach) has prepared the team well.
“The game by the look of things is going to be interesting but my fear is that of late it’s as if referees have scores to settle with Highlanders and that has not gone well with us. We are not asking for the referees to favour us but what we want is to have a competitive referee who will apply the laws of the game as they are. Believe you me, if the referees are fair, you will realise that people accept the result no matter how bad it might be,” said Ncube.
Thabani Khumalo, a long distance driver, also called for referees to be fair while Njabulo Ncube blamed match officials for incompetence.
“You see an assistant referee raising his flag for a decision which the referee will just ignore. I think some of these referees don’t know what they are doing. We want someone who will be fair and apply rules as they are,” said Ncube.
Sauerstown’s Norbert Lumbiwa who predicted a draw said the referees must not be influenced by external forces.
“This is a big game and obviously there are certain parties that might want to compromise these referees. We are calling for impartial officiating. I think most people will agree with me that most matches that have had nasty incidents the blame has been levelled on referees. If our referees are serious about taking their game to another level and be considered for Caf and Fifa panels, they have to do the right things.
“Otherwise, on Sunday the two teams will draw but it’s a tricky game. Highlanders have the likes of Mthulisi Maphosa, Eric Mudzingwa, Peter “Rio” Moyo and Graham who can lead them,” said Lumbiwa.
A Dynamos fan only identified as Mai Pee said they would come in their numbers to rally behind their team.
She was confident that the Harare giants would walk away with the points.
“This is one game that I will not miss. We will win and this is going to be an interesting game. I hope the referees don’t spoil the game.
“Who at Highlanders can stand up to Diva (David Kutyauripo), Takesure Chinyama, Roderick Mutuma or young Tichaona Mabvura?” Mai Pee said.
Nkululeko Ngulube who claimed to be a Chicken Inn FC supporter said it was an unpredictable game.
“This is one tricky game considering the way these two teams have been playing. Highlanders are up there and obviously their morale is high while Dynamos want to prove a point after bowing out of continental competition.
“I think a draw will be a fair result so that everyone is happy,” he said.
Passmore Neshiri of Pumula North said it would be a tension-filled encounter and would require the coaches to be very tactical.
“Both teams are hard pressed for results. Highlanders want to do away with the past record of losing to Dynamos and at the same time they want to maintain their unbeaten record while Dynamos after being knocked out of the Caf Confederation Cup will want to take their championship hopes back on track.”
He said this was a game that Kaindu would want to prove that he is the right man for the Highlanders coaching job while his Dynamos counterpart Callisto Pasuwa is hard pressed to show that winning the championship and Mbada Cup was not a fluke.
Neshiri singled out Mthulisi Maphosa and Innocent Mapuranga as Highlanders’ match winners while Dynamos’ striker Takesure Chinyama is expected to lead the Harare giants.
Shepherd Nyoni said it was not by chance that Bosso were at the top of the log and was positive that Highlanders would reign supreme over their longtime rivals.
However, Happiness Davira objected to Nyoni’s sentiments as he insisted that Barbourfields Stadium was Dynamos’ favourite hunting ground.
“It’s a tradition that DeMbare will win at Barbourfields because when they play here it is as good as if they are in Mbare. I watched Highlanders draw with Quelaton and I tell you when we get to that box, Chinyama will tear apart the nets.
“I am sorry for Kaindu who is my church mate because he will be on the losing side on Sunday,” Davira said.
Wirimai Chiminya, a member of the Dynamos national supporters committee, predicted a win for his side.
Judging by the interest that Sunday’s game has generated, a big turnout is expected at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday.
Fixtures
Sunday: Highlanders v Dynamos (Barbourfields).
Online Reporter