The ManicaPost
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
MATCHES pitting two of the country’s biggest football clubs – Dynamos and Highlanders – are what every follower of the game, even those who do not support either of the two teams, would never want to miss.
Put simply, matches between Dynamos and Highlanders are never friendly encounters, no matter what is at stake.
Each time the two teams clash at whichever venue across the country, even those that do not know what is a throw-in, free kick or penalty, will be in attendance.
Such is the beauty and the power of the game called football, and in particular the prominence of the duel between the country’s biggest and most followed rivals.
No wonder it has been dubbed the Battle of Zimbabwe! Last year, the two teams squared off in a rural set-up of Bindura for the first time in history, with the over 20 000 fans who packed the arena being treated to some exciting football.
This year, folks in Murambinda in Buhera District of Manicaland, a district well known for other things divorced from football, will get the rare opportunity to witness the Battle of Zimbabwe on their doorstep.
Bosso and DeMbare will lock horns at Murambinda B High School Ground in Murambinda on April 18 as part of the national Independence Day commemorations.
The match starts at 3pm.
Secretary for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Abiot Maronge said construction of pitch is almost complete with the lawn having been successfully planted and currently being managed.
“Construction of changing rooms is now at wall plate level and what remains are the final touches, including construction of portable terraces. We are confident of meeting the standards acceptable and deadlines for this high profile match. We are way ahead of the initial schedule,” he said.
Last year, the Bulawayo giants were crowned champions of the President’s Independence Cup for the second successive time after beating Dynamos 5-3 on penalties at Mt Darwin High School.
In that match, Bosso were reduced to 10-men in the 31st minute when defender, Andrew Mbeba was shown a straight red card for a crude tackle on Nyasha Chintuli.
At the end, it was Bosso who walked away winners despite playing for more than 50 minutes with a man short after Mbeba’s red card.
It remains to be seen if Highlanders will continue with their fine run against Dynamos in this year’s edition!
