Highlanders, Dynamos brace for blockbuster season opener
By Sports Reporter
Old rivals Highlanders and Dynamos clash at Barbourfields this Sunday in a potentially explosive encounter which headlines the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League’s 2024 Match Day 1 round of fixtures to be played weekend.
Despite the two sides failing in recent years to replicate their yesteryear dominance on local football, their clash is always full of intrigue and still remains the most followed fixture on the domestic scene.
Their clash at Barbourfields last September ended prematurely when a section of home fans violently protested some officiating decisions when Dembare had nosed ahead with two first half goals.
Highlanders, who had a sublime run of form which saw the club unbeaten in the entire opening half of last season only to end on a less inspiriting fifth, are hoping for a change of fortune under returning head coach Kelvin Kaindu.
Kaindu, who has donned the famous black and white shirt as a player, led the premiership giants from the dugout to just within just 90 minutes of clinching their league title in 2013.
Although tied on points with Dynamos then, Kaindu was beaten to the finishing line through a superior goal difference by the then Kalisto Pasuwa coached side.
Dynamos, who ended the season last year positioned third, will also be hoping to build on their 2023 Chibuku Super Cup triumph to launch a much stronger bid for domestic football’s most coveted prize this season.
The popular premiership outfit would be bolstered by their return onto the African safari as they represent the country in the CAF Confederation Cup this year.
Meanwhile, in other Match Day 1 fixtures to be played on Saturday, Caps United host Chicken Inn while newboys Arenel Movers face reigning champions Ngezi Platinum at Luveve.
Former champions FC Platinum date Chegutu Pirates at Mandava while service providers ZPC Kariba and TelOne have some work to do at Nyamhunga.
Green Fuel host Bulawayo Chiefs at Green Fuel Arena while the match between Herentals and newcomers ZIFA ERSL champions was postponed.
In Sunday clashes, Highlanders date Dynamos while Manica Diamonds host Simba Boys at Sakubva Stadium.
The match between Hwange and a Khama Billiat powered Yadah at the Colliery completes the opening weekend’s round of premiership fixtures.
