The ManicaPost
Moffat Mungazi’s FOOTY FOOTNOTES
PREMIERSHIP contests between fierce antagonists Dynamos and Highlanders are typically no ordinary confrontations as they carry enormous weight and loom large over the rest of the other games and, therefore, generate huge interest among the two teams’ followers and neutrals alike.
Although not close in geographical proximity as city rivals, DeMbare and Bosso are the domestic game’s two top dogs and their clash is easily the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League’s flagship fixture that usually defines the Premiership’s most bruising battle.
A lot comes and goes with this match, romantically referred to as the “Battle of Zimbabwe” as the country’s football titanic forces collide.
With another instalment of this popular duel upon us this weekend as Dynamos visit Highlanders’ Babourfields, battles within the “Battle of Zimbabwe” are expected to play out. These battles within a battle will figuratively serve to narrate another sub-story while still being part of another bigger one.
This juxtaposition will also be reflective in mirroring and reiterating the battle’s main theme – that of one overshadowing the other in the quest to conquer and in pursuit of glory.
Critically, this fixture comes at a time when the two giants are reeling from an underwhelming start to the season. While Bosso have been stuttering, DeMbare have not been convincing; both suffering a troubled campaign. Curiously, the duo is in the bottom half of the table; nearer to the foot of the table than they are the apex and each would be out to compound and gloat over the other’s misery.
As it stands the Harare powerhouse and their Bulawayo counterpart are not figuring in the title picture. The boys in blue are seven points off the pace among the leading pack and only four better-off than their black-shirted rivals.
Viewed in another way, this looks set to be a battle for redemption: for Tonderai “Stanza” Ndiraya to show that that he has what it takes to guide the Glamour Boys to a podium finish again and for Madinda Ndlovu to restore Bosso’s domestic dominance. Stung by how they staggered early one, Dynamos were forced to severe ties with coach Lloyd “MaBlanyo” Chigowe following below-par performances, while Madinda has hinted on walking out on the wounded Highlanders as talk of his axing continues to linger.
A battle to show that they are still good at both ends of the park and can score goals and defend well; for both have a negative goal difference (Dynamos -1 and Highlanders -4). DeMbare have managed to find the back of the nets in six of their 11 games, keeping the same number of clean sheets; while Bosso have hit the target only four times and their rearguard not breached on six occasions.
A battle to exorcise the ghosts that are haunting and threatening to reduce them to mediocre pedestrians of the game; it promises to be Armageddon-esque.
A battle to show that Dynamos and Highlanders still have the quality and what it takes to boss the local league and domestic game.
Not entirely season-defining but still huge enough to have considerable impact on how the remainder of their campaign shapes.
Not only is this a battle for the three points and bragging rights, but there is loads more at stake because none wants their pride further battered. Because derbies are difficult by nature and usually make a mockery of the form book, this fixture is likely to be keenly followed across the entire local football landscape. DeMbare and Bosso have both endured fluctuating fortunes in their last five fixtures, managing only a paltry combined 15 points from a possible 30!
Given that both sets of fans for the two teams have already been involved in skirmishes in two big games before – both involving chastening defeats to pacesetters Chicken Inn – may the fiends of hooliganism not find any sanctuary among the sincere friends of the game on the stands. Let this be an incident-free match.
This is the Battle of Zimbabwe, with several other battles within it, and could this be the game-changing match in which Dynamos and Highlanders turn the corner and truly repurpose their hitherto lackadaisical season for the better? At the end of the afternoon, whose colours will the nation’s football face be drenched in?
Blue or Black?
If it is about football that you care let’s share the cheer because we are made for the game, mad about the game!
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