Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira at Barbourfields Stadium
HIGHLANDERS and Dynamos played out a gripping 1-1 draw before a packed Barbourfields Stadium yesterday, offering glimpses of their former brilliance while starkly reminding fans just how far Zimbabwe’s biggest clubs have declined.
Dynamos began the match on the front foot, dominating possession and forcing Highlanders onto the back foot in the early stages. However, Bosso soon settled into their rhythm and opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a well-rehearsed set piece straight from the training ground.
Andrew Mbeba delivered a pinpoint free kick which Brian Mlotshwa tucked away from close range, igniting wild celebrations among the home faithful. The goal was a testament to Highlanders’ growing focus on dead-ball routines — a clear reward for their discipline on the training pitch.
For the next 20 minutes, Highlanders looked firmly in control, pressing Dynamos deep and threatening to double their lead. But the visitors drew level in the 37th minute through a stroke of fortune. Jairos Kasondo’s speculative long-range effort took a heavy deflection off Melikhaya Ncube, leaving Ariel Sibanda wrong-footed as the ball nestled into the net.
The equaliser came against the run of play but shifted the momentum, setting the stage for a fiercely contested second half.
Both sides went all out after the interval. Never Rauzhi had an early opportunity for Bosso, but his tame effort was comfortably gathered by Prince Tafiremutsa. Reason Sibanda then fired over from close range before rattling the crossbar late on. Atusaye Nyondo also squandered a golden one-on-one chance, shooting straight at substitute goalkeeper Tatenda Makoni, who had replaced the injured Tafiremutsa just past the hour mark.
Dynamos posed a threat on the counter. Kasondo nearly bagged his second after dispossessing a defender, only to be denied by a sharp reflex save from Sibanda. Enasio Perezo and Temptation Chiwunga later combined neatly, but their move ended with a shot into the side netting.
When the final whistle blew, there was little to separate the two traditional giants — just as there has been little to separate their struggles this season.
Highlanders coach Hendrik Pieter de Jongh described the draw as a fair result, though he lamented the lapse in concentration that led to Dynamos’ goal.
“In a league game, you can win, draw or lose. Overall, it was a fair result. Dynamos were better in the first five minutes or so, but then we took control. We scored from a free kick — a training ground routine — and we’ve put a lot of work into our set-pieces. After scoring, we dominated and thought a second goal was coming. These games always have a few chances. Dynamos equalised from outside the box due to poor marking in midfield. In the second half, we made substitutions to push for victory. We missed some chances and hit the post. In general, it was a fair result,” said de Jongh.
For Dynamos coach Kelvin Kaindu, it was an emotional return to the Barbourfields touchline — and a moment of reflection on the decline of both clubs.
“I was telling myself this is how it feels to be in the other dressing room. We didn’t defend well, and in matches like these, we should do better. In the second half, we played the way we wanted and exchanged passes. We just hope to remain unbeaten. It’s unfortunate that the two teams are fighting relegation. These are the clubs that should be challenging for the championship. The fans came out in numbers and supported their teams,” said Kaindu.
With three matches remaining, both clubs sit closer to the relegation zone than the title race — a sobering reality for teams of their stature. Sunday’s clash may not have produced a winner, but it showed there is still pride, passion, and plenty of fight left in Zimbabwe’s biggest rivalry.
Teams
Highlanders: Ariel Sibanda (gk), Arthur Ndlovu, Brian Mlotshwa, Melikhaya Ncube, Marvin Sibanda (Tendai Muvuti, 80’), Andrew Mbeba, Mason Mushore (Darlington Munkuli, 68’), Never Rauzhi (Reason Sibanda, 68’), Luckmore Mutumbi, Benjamin Adeogun (Brighton Ncube, 80’), Atusaye Nyondo (Prince Ndlovu, 80’).
Dynamos: Prince Tafiremutsa (Tatenda Makoni, gk, 65’), Emmanuel Jalai, Abel Gwatidzo, Gumisai Mandivei, Issaka Mohammed, Tellmore Pio, Ross Ngwenya (Enasio Perezo, 61’), Shadreck Nyahwa, Wisdom Mtasa (Temptation Chiwunga, 46’), Jairos Kasondo (Frank Agyemang, 75’), Leeroy Mavunga (Denver Mukamba, 75’).
