Bosso, Dembare battle fever spills into night spots

THE Battle of Zimbabwe Part One fever has gripped Bulawayo as two of the country's football giants, Highlanders "Bosso" and Dynamos "DeMbare" lock horns at Barbourfields Stadium tomorrow. Fans of both teams are expected to throng the stadium to cheer their teams on. The match has been in the pipeline for too long following postponement after postponement, but finally it is here.

Night spots dotted around the city have come up with innovative ways to entertain fans and cash in on the fever. Some night spots have touted themselves as the "official" pre- and post-match party venues in the city.

Saturday Leisure spoke to officials at the various night spots and they said it was a time for fans to be together and celebrate regardless of the outcome of the match.

They said people should come to a fun environment and braai and imbibe the wise waters with kith and kin.

Top of the list is Highlanders Club House that has come up with an entertainment package for Bosso fans.

Tonight popular Bulawayo jazz artiste Jeys Marabini is expected to belt out tune after tune at the club house. Jeys, fresh from an enthralling performance last week at the opening of MaMkhwananzi Beer Hall in Old Lobengula, is expected to continue in the same vein.

Highlanders Football Club vice-chairman Sikhanyiso "Friday" Moyo said Jeys was part of the celebrations for the team's prophesised victory tomorrow.  He said Jeys would perform from 7pm till late and promised a memorable show.

"You know that we are preparing for the battle of all battles football-wise on Sunday, and we want people to go to the stadium in a cheerful mood. We want to unite our fans with arguably Bulawayo's best musician in Jeys so that they support local musical talent. If locals do not support him who will?" said Moyo.

He said coach Kelvin Kaindu has however seen it improper for Bosso players to mingle with the fans before the game.

"Kaindu's decision is very much in the right vein as we are preparing for such a crucial game. But fans can meet them after the game at the clubhouse regardless of the outcome," said Friday.
Jeys said people should come and support the team in their numbers.

He said the show would be from the top drawer and would play tunes from his new album Jeys at 40, among others.

Cape to Cairo manager Bheki Ndebele said the Dynamos fans from Harare would converge at their night-spot today.

Lovemore Majaivana's son, Derrick was pencilled to perform at the joint alongside a band called Ramsey. Derrick was billed to perform Bosso songs and Ramsey's Band DeMbare songs.

Ndebele said: "We want to create an atmosphere of fun and unity between rival fans and show that they can have a good time with each other whilst braaing and having a drink."

He said they would have a mix-and-mingle party open to DeMbare supporters and tomorrow the joint would hold an official after-match party.

"Fans can come and meet players and DeMbare officials after the match regardless of the result. We have ice cold beers and affordable braai packs," said Ndebele.

Manager of the Basement Night Club Beulah Mutimbu said her joint would also host the official pre and post-match party.

She said performances from Iyasa and resident DJs Yori Nyce and Nash and JB would keep revellers on their feet.

What can be noted is that the Battle of Zimbabwe is on everyone's lips and football lovers are waiting in anticipation for the big match to begin.

The contest is poised to be a humdinger as Bosso have gone on a 14 game unbeaten streak and DeMbare clobbered hapless Blue Rangers 6-0 in their last league match.

Soweto and Empankweni are expected to be filled to the brim with a sea of black and white Bosso supporters while on the other end, the Mpilo end, would be a sea of blue with DeMbare faithfuls.