Zimbabwe’s version of the Soweto derby finally takes centre stage

Zimbabwe’s PSL version of the Soweto derby takes centre stage this afternoon as the country’s biggest nemesis clash in a Africa Day offering.

In-form Highlanders host Dynamos at the Barbourfields stadium in a re-scheduled Castle Lager Premier Soccer fixture.

The fixture was cancelled in April to pave way for the Independence Cup in which the two teams took part.

WHY STAKES ARE HIGH IN THIS MATCH

Highanders walked away with the bragging rights of the Independence Cup after beating Dynamos on 5-3 penalties.

However their meeting today, is different and yet likely to produce fireworks just like the Soweto derby does.

Recently Kaizer Chiefs have had more wins in the Soweto derby compared to Orlando Pirates.

However in Zimbabwe’s PSL, Highlanders are dominating the meetings despite their 16-year spell without a title.

As it stands, Highlanders are tied on 17 points with log leaders Ngezi Platinum while Dynamos are on position eight with 14 points.

Highlanders have not lost to Dynamos in open play since 2015. Dynamos’ last victory at Barbourfields stadium, today’s venue, was in 2014.

The solitary goal they needed to win came from former Blomfontein Celtic striker Rodrick Mutuma.

WHAT THE COACHES SAID

And former Jose Mourinho’s assistant, Baltermar Brito who is in charge of Highlanders is bullish ahead this clash.

“So, in the last two games that we played with them, one for last season, one this season, the cup, we drew. 

“So, for this one we practised, we said the third is the time that we get the goals and we win. We are confident about it.

“The institutions that run football made a good decision [this time] because Dynamos played one day ahead of us.

“And we played one day before but we needed to travel and come back and they just need to travel.

“I think it’s a fair environment for a game like this and for both teams. We have to win,” he said.

Highlanders remain the only unbeaten team in the Zimbabwe’s PSL this season.  

Dynamos who have fired blanks in the last three fixures are hoping to win biggest fixture in the Southern Africa nation.

Coach Herbert Maruwa is steadfast ahead of the Zimbabwean version of the Soweto derby.

“I’m not worried, and the good thing is we are playing well. We just need to work on the second line of our attack. Goals will come,” he said.

RELATED STORY: Former Jose Mourinho’s assistant Brito gunning for Zim’s PSL title