Story by Anashe Murombedzi
THE stage is set for a thrilling encounter in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League as fading giants CAPS United and Dynamos clash in a battle for survival at Rufaro Stadium this Sunday.
It used to be one of the biggest games in the country, marked by intense yet exciting football as the Capital’s titans fought for honours on different fronts.
They call it the Harare derby, where new stars are born while others seal their legendary status.
From the likes of Sunday Chidzambwa, Moses Chunga and Memory Mucherahowa to Joel Shambo, Shackman Tauro and Joe Mugabe, this battle used to bring the capital to a standstill.
Then came the likes of Justice Majabvi, Edward Sadomba, Desmond Maringwa, Murape Murape, Leonard Tsipa, Cephas Chimedza, David Sengu and Method Mwanjali, but the flare and intensity remained the same.
Different generations have come and gone, but something is now off-colour about the Harare Derby.
Where the two giants used to compete for silverware, they are now fighting for survival.
And that is exactly what’s at stake this Sunday, as CAPS United and Dynamos clash in the latest edition of the Harare derby at Rufaro Stadium.
With 32 points, CAPS United are just three points away from the last four, but they can take solace from the fact that the last nine are all at risk.
Dynamos are even worse, lying 17th with 29 points; hence, the stakes are high, and the pressure is mounting.
Match day 29 is packed with exciting fixtures, including Scottland hosting Manica Diamonds this Friday at Rufaro Stadium.
Scottland are in the title race, aiming for a historical debut league title, while Manica Diamonds are fighting for safety.
As action continues Saturday with another intriguing clash between sinking Bikita Minerals and former champions FC Platinum, while relegation-haunted Yadah hosts Telone.
Other relegation candidates, Green Fuel and Chicken, will scramble for safety points in Chisumbanje, while the match between Ngezi Platinum and Herentals is set at Baobab.
The battle to stay afloat is heating up, with Highlanders facing ZPC Kariba at Barbourfields on Sunday, while relegated Kwekwe United take on fellow new boys MWOS at Ascot Stadium.
Meanwhile, the match between Triangle and Simba Bhora, which was scheduled for Ascot, has been postponed as Simba Bhora are participating in the CAF Champions League.
