Story by Anashe Murombedzi
ONE of Zimbabwean football’s fiercest rivalries takes centre stage on Sunday when CAPS United host Highlanders in the latest edition of the Battle of the Cities at Rufaro Stadium.
One of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League’s marquee fixtures, clashes between the two traditional giants have long been defined by passionate support, rich history and entertaining football.
Their first meeting of the season lived up to expectations, with CAPS United securing a 2-1 victory at Barbourfields Stadium. Sunday’s reverse fixture promises another closely contested encounter.
The league standings add further significance to the match. CAPS United are sixth with 39 points from 25 matches, while Highlanders sit seventh on 37 points, having played one game fewer.
Victory would revive Makepekepe’s campaign, while Bosso will be targeting a result that could provide a timely boost to their season.
Highlanders enter the fixture carrying added emotional motivation after the postponement of their match against Chicken Inn following the road traffic accident that claimed the lives of three club executive members and one supporter.
The Bulawayo giants will be hoping to honour the memory of their departed leaders with a victory in one of Zimbabwean football’s biggest fixtures.
Recent meetings underline how evenly matched the sides have been. CAPS United have won three of the last five league encounters, with Highlanders claiming the other two.
Elsewhere, Matchday 26 begins on Friday as Herentals host TelOne at Rufaro Stadium.
Saturday’s fixtures see league leaders Scottland face MWOS at Rufaro Stadium, Chicken Inn take on Bulawayo Chiefs at Luveve Stadium, ZPC Kariba host Dynamos at Nyamhunga Stadium, and FC Platinum welcome Simba Bhora to Mandava Stadium.
Triangle United face FC Hunters at Gibbo Stadium, AGAMA host Ngezi Platinum Stars at Wadzanayi Stadium, while title-chasing Hardrock entertain Manica Diamonds at Chahwanda Stadium.
