News / National
Fading giants in a goalless draw
02 Jun 2025 at 09:36hrs | Views
Dynamos 0 - 0 Highlanders
The highly anticipated Battle of Zimbabwe between giants Dynamos and Highlanders ended in a 0-0 stalemate at Rufaro Stadium yesterday, with neither side able to find the breakthrough in a match that fell short of its historic hype.
The weekend's main question was whether the Battle of Zimbabwe still commands the country's undivided attention, especially after newly promoted MWOS and Scottland stole the limelight with a sold-out top-of-the-table clash in Norton the day before. The answer remains uncertain.
This year, both Dynamos and Highlanders have endured poor form and internal challenges, and as a result, the iconic derby couldn't quite capture the nation's imagination as it traditionally does. Although there was a decent turnout at Rufaro, it was noticeably below expectations, partly due to a boycott call by some Dynamos supporters.
Highlanders coach Kelvin Kaindu acknowledged the fading gloss but insisted the fixture remains the biggest in Zimbabwean football. "I think it still remains the big game here," Kaindu said after the match.
"Of course, if you look at the positions where both teams are, I think in the past it has never been like this. I remember back in 2012-2013, it was always Highlanders and Dynamos at the top. Both teams were doing very well, and the excitement would also come from the fans. But us being in ninth position and Dynamos also down there, that vibe is probably missing. Still, with the way we saw this game, there is something at stake for both teams."
The match itself was an evenly matched affair. Dynamos started strongly, with Brandon Jerimani forcing Highlanders' goalkeeper Raphael Pitisi into an early punch away from a dangerous cross. Highlanders threatened on the counter, with Dynamos goalkeeper Prince Tafiremutsa producing a brilliant save to deny Reason Sibanda a point-blank header in the 23rd minute.
Dynamos captain Emmanuel Jalai was a standout performer, making a key sliding tackle to deny Highlanders' Brighton Ncube just before halftime. Jalai was well supported by Temptation Chiwunga, Shadreck Nyahwa, Jerimani, Tellmore Pio, and Ghanaian forward Frank Agyemang, but the hosts remain unable to end their winless streak now extending to 10 league games.
Frustrated fans called for changes early in the second half as Highlanders sensed vulnerability. Jalai appeared to struggle after a blow to his teeth, and Dynamos struggled to maintain their intensity.
Agyemang had a late chance to snatch victory but his weak finish summed up Dynamos' season-long woes. The Glamour Boys remain third from bottom with just 10 points after 14 games.
Coach Saul Chaminuka, who recently took over from Lloyd Chigowe, is yet to secure his first win after two draws and one loss.
"We have only played three games since I arrived and if we were to play like a team that has dropped from heaven, people would wonder what was happening before. It is a work in progress and we will get there," said Chaminuka.
"We as a team, players, and technical staff are working and we are aware of our shortcomings. It cannot happen overnight. I am asking our fans to be patient. The time will come when we play and win games that are exciting to watch."
Meanwhile, Highlanders have halted a two-game losing streak, with key players like Andrew Mbeba, Mason Mushore, and Mafious Chihweta putting in solid performances before joining the national squads for upcoming international fixtures.
As the season progresses, both clubs will be hoping to rediscover their historic dominance and give fans the thrill the Battle of Zimbabwe once guaranteed.
Teams:
Dynamos: Prince Tafiremutsa, Emmanuel Jalai, Nomore Chinyerere, Clive Mandivei, Abel Gwatidzo, Shadreck Nyahwa, Tellmore Pio, Brandon Jerimani (A. Mandinyenya, 68th min), Enasio Perezo, Temptation Chiwunga, Frank Agyemang
Highlanders: Raphael Pitisi, Andrew Mbeba, Talent Dube, Arthur Ndlovu, Marlven Hativagone, Melikhaya Ncube, Reason Sibanda, Prince Ndlovu (H. Ncube, 68th min), Mason Mushore, Mafious Chihweta, Brighton Ncube (N. Rauzhi, 63rd min)
The highly anticipated Battle of Zimbabwe between giants Dynamos and Highlanders ended in a 0-0 stalemate at Rufaro Stadium yesterday, with neither side able to find the breakthrough in a match that fell short of its historic hype.
The weekend's main question was whether the Battle of Zimbabwe still commands the country's undivided attention, especially after newly promoted MWOS and Scottland stole the limelight with a sold-out top-of-the-table clash in Norton the day before. The answer remains uncertain.
This year, both Dynamos and Highlanders have endured poor form and internal challenges, and as a result, the iconic derby couldn't quite capture the nation's imagination as it traditionally does. Although there was a decent turnout at Rufaro, it was noticeably below expectations, partly due to a boycott call by some Dynamos supporters.
Highlanders coach Kelvin Kaindu acknowledged the fading gloss but insisted the fixture remains the biggest in Zimbabwean football. "I think it still remains the big game here," Kaindu said after the match.
"Of course, if you look at the positions where both teams are, I think in the past it has never been like this. I remember back in 2012-2013, it was always Highlanders and Dynamos at the top. Both teams were doing very well, and the excitement would also come from the fans. But us being in ninth position and Dynamos also down there, that vibe is probably missing. Still, with the way we saw this game, there is something at stake for both teams."
The match itself was an evenly matched affair. Dynamos started strongly, with Brandon Jerimani forcing Highlanders' goalkeeper Raphael Pitisi into an early punch away from a dangerous cross. Highlanders threatened on the counter, with Dynamos goalkeeper Prince Tafiremutsa producing a brilliant save to deny Reason Sibanda a point-blank header in the 23rd minute.
Dynamos captain Emmanuel Jalai was a standout performer, making a key sliding tackle to deny Highlanders' Brighton Ncube just before halftime. Jalai was well supported by Temptation Chiwunga, Shadreck Nyahwa, Jerimani, Tellmore Pio, and Ghanaian forward Frank Agyemang, but the hosts remain unable to end their winless streak now extending to 10 league games.
Frustrated fans called for changes early in the second half as Highlanders sensed vulnerability. Jalai appeared to struggle after a blow to his teeth, and Dynamos struggled to maintain their intensity.
Agyemang had a late chance to snatch victory but his weak finish summed up Dynamos' season-long woes. The Glamour Boys remain third from bottom with just 10 points after 14 games.
Coach Saul Chaminuka, who recently took over from Lloyd Chigowe, is yet to secure his first win after two draws and one loss.
"We have only played three games since I arrived and if we were to play like a team that has dropped from heaven, people would wonder what was happening before. It is a work in progress and we will get there," said Chaminuka.
"We as a team, players, and technical staff are working and we are aware of our shortcomings. It cannot happen overnight. I am asking our fans to be patient. The time will come when we play and win games that are exciting to watch."
Meanwhile, Highlanders have halted a two-game losing streak, with key players like Andrew Mbeba, Mason Mushore, and Mafious Chihweta putting in solid performances before joining the national squads for upcoming international fixtures.
As the season progresses, both clubs will be hoping to rediscover their historic dominance and give fans the thrill the Battle of Zimbabwe once guaranteed.
Teams:
Dynamos: Prince Tafiremutsa, Emmanuel Jalai, Nomore Chinyerere, Clive Mandivei, Abel Gwatidzo, Shadreck Nyahwa, Tellmore Pio, Brandon Jerimani (A. Mandinyenya, 68th min), Enasio Perezo, Temptation Chiwunga, Frank Agyemang
Highlanders: Raphael Pitisi, Andrew Mbeba, Talent Dube, Arthur Ndlovu, Marlven Hativagone, Melikhaya Ncube, Reason Sibanda, Prince Ndlovu (H. Ncube, 68th min), Mason Mushore, Mafious Chihweta, Brighton Ncube (N. Rauzhi, 63rd min)
Source - online
