Early clash for giants Dynamos, Highlanders as premier league kicks off

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Matches between Dynamos and Highlanders have always been explosive

By Auther Chimbgwa

Traditional league giants Dynamos and Highlanders are set for an early clash in the second week of the 2026 Zimbabwean premiership season.

According to fixtures published by the Premier Soccer League, Dynamos entertain their bitter rivals on the weekend between 13 and 15 March this year.

The two sides had their egos bruised last season when they found themselves fighting relegation in an unprecedented end to a season that saw the battle survive the chop reach the last day.

Dynamos are, however, buoyed by their sublime end to the 2025 season after they went on more than a dozen game unbeaten run in all competitions which climaxed in their clinching of the Chibuku Cup at the expense of Triangle.

However, their fortunes under the command of returning coach Genesis Mangombe this year are hardly inspiring.

Dynamos suffered a 1-0 loss to Highlanders in the Jairos Jiri final at Barbourfields stadium a couple of weeks ago, followed by a humiliating 5-0 drubbing by Scottland in the Castle Challenge Cup last Sunday.

Highlanders, on the other end, have a lot to bounce back from after a lacklustre season last year that saw them end the league race on 39 points, a massive 30 points adrift of league champions Scottland.

Meanwhile, in Match Day 1 this Friday, new boys FC Hunters set the season in motion with a clash against MWOS at Rufaro stadium.

On Saturday, Baobab stadium hosts the platinum derby by Ngezi Platinum and FC Platinum.

TelOne welcome Dynamos at Ascot stadium while Triangle United take on ZPC Kariba at Gibbo stadium.

Herentals College entertain Chicken Inn at Rufaro stadium to complete Saturday’s round of fixtures.

On Sunday, Highlanders host neighbours Bulawayo Chiefs at Barbourfields while Hardrock welcome champions Scottland at Chahwanda stadium in Kwekwe.

Manica Diamonds lock horns with Simba Bhora at Gibbo stadium whilst Caps United welcome newly-promoted AGAMA FC at Rufaro stadium to complete the weekend’s fixtures.

All matches start at 3pm.