Preview: Dynamos vs Caps United – Zimbabwe Premier League braced for Harare derby

Ian Bakala (right): Photo Credit: Caps United.

The Harare Derby is unlike any other fixture on the Zimbabwe Castle Lager Premier League’s calendar, pitting Zimbabwean powerhouses Caps United and FC Dynamos against each other in a clash steeped in history and rivalry.

But this season, both sides head into Sunday’s grudge match at Rufaro Stadium on May 18, not as title contenders – but as teams uncomfortably close to the relegation zone.

Ahead of the Harare derby, Caps United’s newly appointed coach Ian Bakala described the game as a must-win, following an eight-match winless streak.

“A derby is always a derby. Looking at how I know it and how we are training, I think we are prepared to get the three points this weekend,” he told Makepekepe media.

“At the moment, I am trying to make a team as I just came in last week. I watched some of the games and didn’t see some of the players. Now, I have just seen them in training.”

The Zambian has urged his players to build on their 1-1 draw last weekend, in his first match at the helm, having come in to replace Lloyd Chitembwe.

“We have to learn from our mistakes. I know it is very difficult, but we just have to fight. Even when they are not at their best, Dynamos always wake up in the derby, so they will come very prepared,” he said.

The former Caps midfielder has urged the team’s fans to turn out in large numbers, expressing concern that the numbers have been less than encouraging. Makepekepe are placed fifth from the bottom in the 18-member Castle Lager Premier League, three points away from basement side Triangle United.

In the opposite camp, FC Dynamos fired coach Lloyd Chigowe during the week, following a seven-game winless run. Veteran Saul Chaminuka has been brought in to save DeMbare from relegation.

Dynamos lie third from the bottom in the table with just one win from 11 matches (D5 L5). The struggling side have scored two goals (including an own goal) and conceded seven.

Ahead of the game, Chaminuka is quoted as having expressed confidence at the prospect of winning the derby.

“My wish is to win against Caps United on Sunday because it will bring a lot of confidence to the boys. A win will boost their confidence, and I believe that if we win, we will be difficult to stop. I see a lot of fans coming to this game because of the changes we’ve made,” he told the club’s media.

DeMbare should pray that the section of their fans who are threatening to boycott the derby will change their minds. Simba Bhora are the defending champions.

Fixtures

Saturday – 3pm

FC Platinum v Bikita Minerals FC

Telone FC v Yadah FC

ZPC Kariba v Highlanders FC

Herentals College FC v Ngezi Platinum FC

Simba Bhora v Triangle United

Manica Dynamos FC v Scottland FC

Chicken Inn FC v Green Fields FC

MWOS v Kwekwe United

Sunday – 3pm

Dynamos v Caps United