Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Battle of Zimbabwe is one Castle Lager Premier Soccer League fixture on the calendar that no Dynamos or Highlanders player would want to miss.
But as the giants prepare to square off at Rufaro tomorrow, Dynamos’ Raymond Uchena will have to wait a bit longer before he could take part in this epic encounter.
The defender has only featured twice after he got the nod from new coach Saul Chaminuka, but he suffered an injury in the last match against Ngezi Platinum Stars.
In the few games that he has played, Uchena had brought vibrancy to the DeMbare defence with some fine performances.
He will be joined on the sidelines by winger Keith Padera, who is out this weekend through suspension after amassing three yellow cards.
“We lost Madera and Uchena due to yellow card suspension and injury, respectively, but we promise a good game on Sunday.
“I think we have the experience to match them. Several players here have played against them before, and I believe we can come out with points after the 90 minutes on Sunday,” said Chaminuka.
Highlanders will also be without their captain Ariel Sibanda and defender Archford Faira, who are recovering from knocks, much to the disappointment of the coach, Kelvin Kaindu.
Faira was key in the first leg of the Battle of Zimbabwe last season, weighing in with a goal as Bosso ran away 2-1 winners at Barbourfields.
That handed Kaindu his first ever win over Dynamos as coach.
“The unfortunate part is that Faira also picked out a knock during training this week, but the rest of the team, everyone is available. Our captain Ariel has also started light training, but he may not be available for selection for this game. But the good news is he started doing light training,” said Kaindu.
In the absence of the quartet, both Bosso and DeMbare are looking forward to new heroes to light up the Battle of Zimbabwe.
DeMbare will look up to captain Emmanuel Jalai and his troops that include Abel Gwatidzo, Shadreck Nyahwa, Brandon Jerimani, Ghanaian Frank Agyemang, Valentine Kadonzvo and midfielder Tellmore Pio to carry the day. Bosso have always played some of their best football against Dynamos, irrespective of their struggles.
They have often enjoyed good returns from the likes of Mason Mushore, Melikhaya Ncube, Reason Sibanda, Brighton Ncube and Mackinnon Mushore. Bosso have dominated the clashes between the giants since the resumption of football post Covid-19, winning three editions of the Battle of Zimbabwe.
DeMbare have only been victorious once in 2023, with the result having to be decided in the boardroom after the match was abandoned due to crowd trouble at Barbourfields.
Unfortunately, the latest meeting comes as the giants have been struggling in the league. Dynamos have not won a match in their last nine outings, while Bosso lost consecutive matches to ZPC Kariba and Herentals in their recent outings.
Chaminuka will only be presiding in his third match in charge if Dynamos.
The journeyman is still looking for his first win having played a 1-1 draw against CAPS United before losing 1-2 at Ngezi Platinum Stars.
DeMbare need a winning formula against Bosso, having lost both matches last season.
But Chaminuka is no stranger to battles against Highlanders.
“To beat Bosso, we need to be organised and careful when they have the ball. Highlanders is a team that exhibits exciting football wherever they play in Zimbabwe, and we won’t be pushovers. We’ll utilise the current players at our disposal for now.
“There’s definitely been an improvement since my first two games in charge, as we’ve scored in those back-to-back fixtures, and I’m impressed. For now, my only worry is our defence, where we need to keep clean sheets,” said Chaminuka.
Dynamos go into battle sitting on one of their worst positions in recent history. They are currently third from the bottom of the table with nine points from 13 matches.
“I don’t see Dynamos losing two games on the trot. We have been working hard, and we’re yet to build on the progress. This is probably the biggest game in the first round of matches,” said Chaminuka.
Highlanders have also experienced their fair share of problems on the pitch. The Bulawayo giants are sitting ninth on the log standings with 18 points and have lacked consistency this season.
“I think it’s unfortunate that both teams are coming from a defeat,” said Kaindu.
“This may also make it a bit exciting because every team will probably play an attacking game for them to pick up maximum points.
“But looking at the way we have seen the conduct in training, everyone has been geared up, prepared for the big game that is coming.
“Regardless of form for both teams, I think when it comes to this league, there’s a lot that needs to be offered,” said Kaindu.
