The air crackles with anticipation as Zimbabwe’s most followed domestic fixture, the clash between Dynamos and Highlanders, returns to the hallowed grounds of Rufaro Stadium this Sunday. But the build-up to this eagerly awaited encounter has been marred by turmoil within the Dynamos camp, with dressing room squabbles threatening to derail the Glamour Boys’ quest for revenge against their arch-rivals.
Dynamos, currently languishing in sixth place on the premiership table with 24 points, are desperate to collect maximum points against Highlanders, who sit fifth on 26 points. A win would not only boost their faltering campaign but also provide sweet revenge for their 2-1 defeat to Bosso in the season opener at Barbourfields in March.
However, the team’s preparations for the clash have been thrown into disarray by a player revolt. Players have been refusing to train, citing non-payment of outstanding bonuses and signing-on fees. The situation reached a head last week, with the players’ frustration boiling over into a full-blown training boycott.
“Some players are owed signing on fees while winning bonuses have been scarce this season,” a source within the Dynamos camp revealed, highlighting the financial woes that have plagued the club.
The players’ protest finally came to an end on Monday after a meeting with club chairperson Moses Maunganidze and a section of the executive committee. The details of the agreement reached remain shrouded in secrecy, but the players have resumed training, albeit with a cloud of uncertainty hanging over their heads.
Despite the internal strife, the Dynamos faithful are hoping for a triumphant return to Rufaro, a venue steeped in the history of this fierce rivalry. The stadium has witnessed countless epic battles between these two giants, with the passion and intensity of the matches often eclipsing the teams’ actual form.
“It’s not about form, it’s about bragging rights,” a seasoned football fan remarked, echoing the sentiment of many supporters. “Dynamos and Highlanders, it’s always a war, no matter what the league table says.”
Highlanders, despite their own lacklustre season, have dominated this fixture in recent years, turning the tide from a period where Dynamos held the upper hand. This Sunday’s clash promises to be a tense affair, with both sides eager to claim bragging rights and gain a psychological edge in the battle for supremacy.
Meanwhile, other fixtures lined up for the weekend offer a glimpse into the diverse tapestry of Zimbabwean football. Defending champions Ngezi Platinum face an easy assignment at home to league whipping boys Arenel Movers at Baobab on Saturday, while Bikita Minerals entertain Herentals at Sakubva.
Another intriguing encounter pits in-form sides Simba Bhora and Manica Diamonds at Wadzanayi, while Bulawayo Chiefs welcome Green Fuel at Luveve. Khama Billiat’s Yadah takes on relegation candidates Hwange at Heart Stadium.
Sunday’s matches also feature a clash between Caps United and Chicken Inn at Luveve, as well as Chegutu Pirates’ attempt to derail league leaders FC Platinum’s impressive run at Baobab. The weekend’s round of fixtures concludes with the encounter between service providers TelOne and ZPC Kariba at Bata.
As the weekend approaches, the focus remains firmly on the Dynamos-Highlanders clash. Will Dynamos be able to overcome their internal turmoil and exact revenge on their rivals? Or will Highlanders continue their dominance in this historic rivalry? The answer, as always, lies on the hallowed turf of Rufaro Stadium, where the passion and intensity of Zimbabwean football will be on full display.
