Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Battle of Zimbabwe returns to Rufaro on Sunday and supporters from both sides are already firing back at claims that Dynamos and Highlanders have been pushed aside by the league’s new money clubs.
Highlanders supporter Mayibongwe Mkhweli, better known as Mgijimi and voted Castle Lager Fan of the Year in 2024, did not hold back.
“What people are saying is like a nice song at a funeral,” he said.
“At a funeral people sing and dance and enjoy the songs. But when it reaches the moment of body viewing or burial everyone ends up crying.
“People can say what they want now. In the end they will cry because Highlanders and Dynamos will still rule in this land.”
The clash between the country’s two biggest clubs comes at a time when ambitious, well-funded teams such as defending champions Scottland, last season’s runners up MWOS and newcomers Hardrock, have changed the landscape of the league.
Another Bosso supporter, Mpumelelo “Mbesuma” Nkomazana, said the rivalry between Highlanders and Dynamos still stands above every other fixture in the country.
“In Zimbabwe there is no match bigger than Dynamos against Highlanders,” he said.
“You can bring Barcelona or Real Madrid to play Scottland or Hardrock and it will never beat the atmosphere when Bosso and DeMbare meet.”
Highlanders head into the season with renewed confidence after businessman Wicknell Chivayo stepped in with financial backing that has already delivered a luxury team bus and vehicles for club officials and coach Benjani Mwaruwari.
Bosso began their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Bulawayo Chiefs in a derby at Barbourfields last week and now shift their focus to their old rivals.
Dynamos supporters are also preparing their own show of strength before Sunday’s clash.
Veteran cheerleader, Chris “Romario” Musekiwa, said fans will stage a roadshow from Machipisa in Highfield to Rufaro as they rally behind coach Genesis Mangombe’s side.
“Dynamos are the biggest and most successful club in Zimbabwean football,” said Musekiwa.
“The team made a good start with that win away to TelOne and supporters want to see the new squad. We have exciting players and fans will come in big numbers.
“The Dynamos Supporters Harare Chapter will lead a roadshow starting at Africabet Machipisa at 10am before moving to Rufaro.”
Musekiwa admitted clubs such as Scottland, MWOS and Hardrock have injected fresh excitement into the league through their financial power and high profile signings.
But he believes the old rivalries still define the game.
“Those teams have brought excitement and that is good for football,” he said. “But the biggest matches will always be Dynamos against Highlanders and the Harare Derby between Dynamos and CAPS United.”
Mathew Masinge