Strugglers Dembare, Bosso seek redemption at Rufaro

The historic rivalry between Dynamos and Highlanders, once a fierce and feared fixture in Zimbabwean football, reignites today at Rufaro Stadium in what promises to be the first chapter of the 2025 league season's Battle of Zimbabwe. However, the rivalry's usual intensity has been dampened by both teams' inconsistent performances this season.

Dynamos arrive in the capital nursing wounds from a 2-1 defeat away to Ngezi Platinum Stars, while Highlanders were recently humbled on home turf at Barbourfields by a spirited Herentals side. The derby, once marked by dominance and high stakes, has lost some of its former luster due to the collective dip in form by both clubs.

Yet for Highlanders coach Kelvin Kaindu, the match remains a significant occasion.

"Whatever the circumstances are, it's still a big match. We really have a big game on our hands. We will need to go out there and fight again," said Kaindu ahead of today's encounter, acknowledging the unpredictability of the clash.

Both teams are desperate for points as the league edges toward its halfway point, with pressure mounting from impatient supporters.

Highlanders, known affectionately as Bosso, will be without captain Ariel "Mangoye" Sibanda, midfield enforcer Archford Faira, and defender Talent Dube - all sidelined with injuries. Despite their struggles, Bosso have managed to collect seven points from a possible 15, translating to a 47 percent success rate.

Dynamos, meanwhile, have endured a much tougher start to the campaign, securing only two points from 15 games played - a mere 13 percent return. In response to the poor run of form, Dynamos recently appointed veteran coach Saul Chaminuka, replacing Loyd "MaBlanyo" Chigowe in a bid to steady the ship and revive the club's fortunes.

The kickoff is set for 2 PM, an hour earlier than usual, to accommodate players departing for upcoming FIFA international friendlies. Zimbabwe's Warriors squad will soon travel to Casablanca, Morocco, to face Burkina Faso on June 6 and Niger on June 10.

As the two giants clash at the iconic Rufaro Stadium, fans will be eager to see if either side can rediscover their former glory and claim bragging rights in what remains Zimbabwe's most celebrated football rivalry.