DR JOSHUA NQABUTHO NKOMO’S wish was always been unity.
Unity has identified the people of Zimbabwe despite coming from different tribal lines that include the Shona and Ndebele.
Sunday’s match, pitting the country’s oldest clubs Highlanders and Dynamos, is the best way of celebrating and honouring the legacy left by the late Father Zimbabwe. The two clubs come from the country’s two biggest cities.
While a good brand of football will be on display, the game acts as a unifier of people of different tribes. From Bulawayo and Harare, the cup brings together soccer rivals in an atmosphere of celebrating unity. Unity day is celebrated on December 22 each year. The Unity Accord was signed on December 22 1987 bringing together PF ZAPU and ZANU PF after several political misunderstanding that almost plunged Zimbabwe into a protracted civil war.
The Dr Joshua Nkomo Legacy Shield seeks to continue fostering unity. Organised by the Joshua Nkomo National Foundation, the match will be played in two legs with the first slated for Rufaro Stadium on Sunday. The return leg is scheduled for December 22 at Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo.
After missing out several accolades during the course of the 2015 soccer season, Dynamos and Highlanders have something to fight for in the two-legged Joshua Nkomo Legacy Shield. Dynamos missed the league title, the Sino-Zimbabwe Cup, the Independence Cup, Chibuku Super Cup and the NetOne Easycall Cup. They have the Bob 91 Super Cup in their cabinet.
For the Bulawayo giants, the Easycall Cup brought relief to Highlanders’ loyals as the team has not won any silverware in ages.
However, players in the national team camp in preparation for the African Nations Championships (CHAN) will not be allowed to feature in the matches. Goalkeeper Tatenda Mukuruva, Ronald Chitiyo, Blessing Moyo, Elisha Muroiwa and Roderick Mutuma will not be part of the Dembare outfit on Sunday and Tuesday.
Highlanders players in camp for the Warriors are Teenage Hadebe, Nqobizitha Masuku, Knox Mutizwa and Bruce Kangwa as well as the Bosso technical team will have to do without them.
The match comes at a time Highlanders are still celebrating their second victory over Dynamos this year. First it was in the Commander ZNA Charities Soccer Shield on August 2 before Bosso won the Easycall semis 2-1 against Dynamos in Bulawayo earlier this month.
Dynamos had dominated Highlanders in all competitions since 2006. Another victory for Bosso would make them truly believe the jinx is broken.