By Sheldon Hakata
THE Harare derby is arguably one of the most captivating encounters in Zimbabwe.
The National Sports Stadium (NSS) and the country at large will be illuminated by the green and white as well as the blue and white colours as the two arch rivals CAPS United and Dynamos clash in this crunch encounter.
The capital must brace for an explosive derby as matches pitting these two clubs usually motivate players on their own.
The atmosphere in and outside the NSS will be somehow tense as the two bitter rivals clash in a second round of the Castle Lager PSL encounter after playing to a 1-all stalemate in the reverse fixture.
During the early years of independence, these epic battles were about passion and protecting the name and brand of the club.
The two sets of fans are too demanding and this will push the players to rise to the occasion.
Dynamos are currently sitting on position five on the PSL log, just edging Ngezi Platinum Stars on goal difference, with 44 points from 31 matches.
The former Cup Kings are currently riding high.
Patriot Sport interviewed James Jumbe, a Dynamos fan who had this to say: “This season we are rising from the dead and a good result against CAPS united will keep us on the right track.
“In football, history is meant to be broken (sic).
“Dynamos has been beating CAPS and Highlanders in past years, but last year we lost to both teams and the same can happen on Sunday.
“Beating CAPS United again.”
A CAPS United fan, known as Mupositori, had a different view altogether.
“This time around CAPS United are well and truly in the running for the title,” he said.
“It’s a big thing for the CAPS United family to beat Dynamos and have the bragging rights,” said another CAPS United supporter, Muchanyara Machona.
“A lot is at stake in this game, but we are confident we will triumph come Sunday.”
The game is a must-win for the Green Machine as they seek to maintain their title aspirations since they already carry a two-point lead over title rivals Chicken Inn and FC Platinum.
Log leaders CAPS United are now locked in a rather brutal fight in this year’s tense championship marathon with former champions Chicken Inn and reigning champions FC Platinum.
It has been an extraordinary Castle Lager PSL season as the three horses go down to the wire.
The PSL title is there for the taking.
The weekend draws swung the league title race in favour of the three top teams of which the situation at hand rests with the coaches’ pedigree to psych up players in terms of their mental attitude.
The results left the pair of Chicken Inn and FC Platinum level at 53 points although Chicken Inn are top on goal difference.
CAPS United lead the race with 55 points, two ahead of second-placed Chicken Inn and FC Platinum.
Pure Platinum Play, FC Platinum, trail the Gamecocks, Chicken Inn, separated by goal difference. With the remaining games, there are chances any of the top three teams can mathematically lift the coveted premiership title.
The trio of CAPS United, Chicken Inn and FC Platinum are all on course to claim the title.
CAPS United coach Darlington Dodo and FC Platinum’s Lizwe Sweswe, who replaced Lloyd Chitembwe and Norman Mapeza respectively as head coaches, did not impress fans much.
Chicken Inn coach Joey ‘Mafero’ Antipas is doubling as the Warriors coach too.
This is seemingly proving to be a heavy load for him.
The technical crew’s tactical ineptness on the big stage has been greatly exposed in both the premiership and the 2021 Total AFCON qualifiers.
Perhaps Antipas must let one bird go.
Fixtures
Saturday
Bulawayo Chiefs FC vs Chicken Inn FC (Luveve Stadium)
Harare City FC vs Yadah FC (Rufaro Stadium)
Sunday
Black Rhinos FC vs Ngezi Platinum Stars FC (Rufaro Stadium)
CAPS United FC vs Dynamos FC (NSS Stadium)
Mushowani Stars FC vs TelOne FC (Trojan Mine Stadium)
Hwange FC vs Herentals FC (Colliery Stadium)
Triangle United FC vs ZPC Kariba FC (Gibbo Stadium)
Highlanders FC vs Manica Diamonds FC (Barbourfields Stadium)
Chapungu FC vs FC Platinum FC (Ascot Stadium).
All games start at 3pm unless stated otherwise.