Derby with a difference

Langton Nyakwenda

THIS 42-year-old battle has been more about pride than what is at stake.

Former CAPS United winger Fungai “Tostao” Kwashi, once said even if the prize was a box of matches, the Harare Derby would still explode.

Today’s instalment, which will be staged at the National Sports, comes with a number of subplots that are premised on historical occasions which might add a little bit more spice to this 84th edition.

It’s a derby with a difference.

CAPS United fans still remember how their team literally handed rivals Dynamos the league title, twice in succession, in 2013 and 2014.

Dynamos fans on the other side, vividly recall that their survival from relegation last season, hinged on that surprise 2-1 win over Makepekepe at Rufaro on October 14, 2018.

Back in 2013, when it all pointed to Harare City winning their maiden league title, it was CAPS United who denied City a golden moment, while inadvertently handing the advantage to DeMbare who eventually clinched the title.

Harare City, who went into the last weekend of the 2013 season leading the race with 53 points needed an outright win going into the final match against CAPS United.

Makepekepe, who had nothing to play for, given they had 48 points going into the final round, somehow found the strength and motivation to restrict the Sunshine Boys to a 2-2 draw as Dynamos edged Black Mambas 2-0 to win the league title on goal difference.

In 2014, debutants ZPC Kariba went into their final match of the season needing just a draw to clinch an historic title, but again Makepekepe stood in the way.

With nothing to play for, the Green Machine stunned Saul Chaminuka’s men with a 3-2 win at Gwanzura as DeMbare beat How Mine 2-0 at the National Sports Stadium on the same afternoon.

That was to be DeMbare’s fourth straight championship under Kalisto Pasuwa and ironically, they have not won any title since the former Warriors coach quit the club at the end of that season.

That memorable afternoon for Pasuwa and Dynamos was November 23, 2014 and today CAPS United and Dynamos clash on November 24, exactly four years after they sealed their title triumph, albeit off a huge favour from Makepekepe.

Could CAPS United be expecting a return of favour?

Do CAPS United, who dropped 10 points in the last five rounds and failed to keep a clean sheet in their last eight games, have the pedigree to finish off the job, starting with a victory against their eternal rivals this afternoon?

They face a Dynamos’ side whose coach Tonderai Ndiraya has boldly declared that this is not the time for “friendship”, as he also has his own targets to achieve.

“What is important is what we are fighting for, CAPS United are fighting for the title and we are also pushing to get into the top four, it’s not a secret,” said Ndiraya, whose side lie two points behind fourth placed ZPC Kariba.

ZPC Kariba are also in action away to Triangle at Gibbo today.

But, the focus is no doubt on the famous Harare derby.

DeMbare are also motivated to finish the season on a high, having gone for the last 19 games without tasting defeat.

“It would be 22 games unbeaten if we were to end the season undefeated and that is also pushing us. We have the potential, we have seen some improvements amongst the young players, so the fans should come in numbers and cheer the boys,” Ndiraya said.

Some of the Dynamos youthful players who have done well include exciting right back and Aces Academy product Emmanuel Jalai, who is being touted to make the calendar when the Soccer Stars selection gets underway on Friday.

Jarrison Selemani has also chipped in with goals while Tinotenda Muringani has also done well at left back.

But, there is no doubt, DeMbare will be banking on dreadlocked striker Evans Katema who has proven he can rise to the occasion.

“We have all seen the potential the team possesses, that gives us hope for a bright future. Fans should come in numbers and support the team, they must just accept whatever result that comes out on Sunday,” Ndiraya said.

The Dynamos gaffer is, however, fully aware of the gulf in class between his side and CAPS United.

With a fit again Ronald “Rooney” Chitiyo, a marauding Phineas Bamusi, goal poacher Dominic Chungwa and the exciting Kelvin Ndebele in their cast, Makepekepe look like they have enough firepower to brush aside DeMbare.

But, Makepekepe have not shown the character of champions in the last few rounds.

They have one win in their last five matches.

Last week, they were held to a 2-2 draw despite taking a 2-0 inside the opening 25 minutes.

Their defence, which has been sorely missing the experience and organisation of injured veteran Method Mwanjali, has conceded seven goals in the last five games and CAPS United coach Darlington Dodo is not a happy man.

The gaffer had a tough talk with his charges last week.

“We sat down as a team, we discussed our shortcomings. The players appreciated and they were the ones who were actually telling each other the truth that we need to do the right things,” Dodo said.

CAPS United are on 55 points and two clear of FC Platinum who face Chapungu at Ascot this afternoon, and they know they have to do the right things, starting today, if they are to win their sixth league title.

Makepekepe have two wins against DeMbare in their last five meetings.

Dynamos also have two victories and the other one, which was played at Rufaro this season, ended in a draw.

After facing DeMbare, Makepekepe have another huge task against Ngezi at Baobab in the penultimate round before concluding the marathon at home against fellow title contenders and reigning champions FC Platinum.

It’s a tough run-in for Makepekepe who are involved in a three-horse race with Chicken Inn and FC Platinum.

It has been a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League race of twists and turns.

At some point in September, even ZPC Kariba, riding on the back of their unbeaten run at Nyamhunga, assumed pole position, albeit for a few days.

Chicken Inn looked like they would run away with it at some stage, but they crumbled dismally before clawing their way back into contention.

FC Platinum, who have one win in their last three matches, once topped the league, but have been operating like a yoyo in recent weeks.

Brace for an intriguing final lap of the 2019 race.

 

Fixtures

Black Rhinos v Ngezi Platinum Stars (Rufaro), CAPS United v Dynamos (NSS), Mushowani Stars v TelOne (Trojan Mine), Hwange v Herentals (Colliery), Triangle v ZPC Kariba (Gibbo), Highlanders v Manica Diamonds (BF), Chapungu v FC Platinum (Ascot)