The ManicaPost
Moffat Mungazi
Sports Correspondent
WITH all set for the first ever instalment of a top-flight Mutare Derby this weekend, former Tanganda shot-stopper, Spencer Ngowe has challenged the protagonists to rise to step up to the plate and make the occasion a memorable one.
History will be made this Sunday at Sakubva Stadium when cross-town rivals, Manica Diamonds and Tenax take to the pitch for a Chibuku Super Cup first round, second match in their Group Three.
Both teams suffered a losing start to the campaign, with Tenax going down 1-4 to Black Rhinos, while Manica Diamonds were overpowered 1-0 by Cranborne Bullets.
With so much hype surrounding the contest, Ngowe – who won the prestigious Castle Cup in1993 with the now defunct former Mutare-based Premiership side, Tanganda –is already looking forward to some eye-watering action.
“Matches featuring teams from the same city are always fiercely competitive. It is even more compelling when the sides involved share the same home ground; like in this case of Manica Diamonds and Tenax, both using Sakubva Stadium. In local derbies, there is always a lot at stake. This is a tradition the world over; the fixture stands out as a major highlight of the season.
“The upcoming Mutare Derby is such a momentous event for Manicaland at large. Football followers in the province are in for a treat. The onus is now on the clubs involved to add colour to the occasion by making it worthwhile.
“Exciting action from this match can create enduring memories. As a flagship fixture, this game can have the province’s game rise to prominence,” said the retired Ngowe, a veteran of many battles with Tan-Tan.
Mutare had hitherto never witnessed a top-flight fixture pitting two teams from the eastern border city.
Now that is set to be a thing of the past as the Gem Boys and Chauya Chikara cross swords in the battle for supremacy and the city’s bragging rights.
Ngowe feels that the Mutare Derby has been a long time coming.
Said the Sakubva-bred ex-keeper: “This (local derby) was overdue. Over the past years Manicaland has produced loads of top football talent, be it players or coaches who have gone on to do well elsewhere with other clubs or the national team. It was high time we had such a fixture like this one on our football calendar.
“With sound administration, proper structures, investment and sponsorship the province has potential to go places as a powerhouse that dominates the domestic game.
“This should be a good beginning for us. We can take off in spectacular style and even sustain the Mutare Derby as an exciting contest that many, even beyond the province, can look forward to with relish. Let us all cherish this moment.”
Ngowe recalled with nostalgia the bruising battles between local teams of his heyday.
“By nature, derbies are exciting, challenging and overwhelming. I vividly remember one particular game from long back. We (Tanganda) were chasing promotion into the then Super League and we took on Zupco Mutare in Rusape.
“The build-up to the game was so tense and on the match-day the venue was filled with spectators to capacity. It had attracted a lot of people from around the entire province.
“Buses, cars and lorries ferrying supporters had made a beeline for Vengere. It was such a tough duel because Zupco Mutare were a good side. Although we won the match, they had matched us throughout. In fact, they were so determined to derail our bid for promotion that their players broke down into tears after the final whistle.
“Another cracker was against Independence (later Redwing) Mine at Nyaronga in Penhalonga. It was also a keenly followed and hotly contested game, with fans coming in their droves. Again, we prevailed and eventually clinched promotion into the elite league.
“Such is the rivalry that defines derbies and so should it be between Manica Diamonds and Tenax. In our time, there were always fireworks each time teams like Tanganda, Zupco Mutare, GMB Pirates (Rusape), DairiSteri (Chipinge), Gluelem, Tomango, Border Timbers and others battled,” said Ngowe.
Easily the pick of the crop of this weekend’s Chibuku Super Cup fixtures, Sunday’s maiden Mutare Derby will be keenly followed across the country. If it can live up to its pre-match billing and create fireworks as expected, the contest is likely to grow in popularity.
Meanwhile, Manica Diamonds and Tenax will be out to get their knockout tournament back on track after last weekend’s false start.
