By Kudakwashe Kutinyo
Hwange town is set to host two of country’s biggest clubs in a weekend filled with pulse raising fixtures in Munhumutapa Cup tournament.
Soccer loving fans will first witness Blackrock fc take on Bulawayo giants Highlanders football club at the Colliery Stadium and on Sunday Hwange Colliery take on Dynamos.
When Chipangano plyed its trade in the Zimbabwe premier league, it’s home ground Hwange Colliery Stadium was a fortress and a nightmare to visiting teams.
Hwange Colliery stunned Dynamos in preseason earlier this year, and Highlanders also felt the heat leaving Hwange town with nothing in their last encounter.
Highlanders will be keen to avoid a repeat of their last meeting with Hwange Colliery, when they trailed 3-0 at halftime. By then Coach Kelvin Kaindu was the headcoach who responded by replacing his entire backline with younger players.
The damage was already done but the entrusted youngsters managed to stabilise Highlanders defence.
Arenel Movers’ former assistant coach Junior ‘Mapepa’ Takavarasha once described trips to Hwange as a nightmare. He pointed to the passionate home support and the tough local conditions that give Chipangano an edge.
The weekend’s double-header will also be a homecoming for Dynamos goalkeeper Harmony Nare, along with the Highlanders duo of Mongameli Tshuma and Tawanda Shenje, who all return to play in Hwange.
Harmony Nare concluded a successful final campaign in the Southern region division one league, earning accolades at both club and regions award ceremonies, before being recognized as goalkeeper of the tournament at the Champions of Champions cup.
Speaking in an interview with New Ziana, Dynamos goalkeeper Harmony Nare described his return to the club as an emotional one that motivates him to compete for the team’s badge.
“Honestly it’s an emotional one for me. To come back home in the famous blue and white of Dynamos means everything. I remember watching games here as a kid and now I’m on the pitch. That pushes me even more.
“Our expectation as a team is to fight for each other, play with pride and get the win for the Dembare family. The fans deserve a performance, and that’s what we’re here to deliver. We respect the opponent,” said Nare.
Nare turned out for history making Zpc Hwange (now Megawatt) which got promoted into the Premier league and sold its franchise to Mwos with the deal also involving a bus.
Nare added that these occasions are rare, allowing fans to witness live what they are used to following on radio and television.
“The feeling is amazing and it’s exciting coming home in the Dembare jersey, that moment is a once in a lifetime stuff. It sends down chills just thinking about walking out, hearing your name, family in the stands, whole community watching #33,” he said.
Highlanders stars Tshuma and Shenje are not strangers to the Colliery town. The Highlanders pair previously turned out for Chipangano following their move from Mkhokheli Dube’s Zebra Revolution.
Mathematically in the Zimbabwe premier league Dynamos sit 3rd with 45 points from 11 wins and only 2 losses. Highlanders are 7th on 37 points with 13 draws. DeMbare have better form, but Bosso are hard to beat.
Meanwhile Hwange lead the Southern Region with 45 points, 13 wins and just 1 loss. BlackRock are 7th on 28 points. Chipangano have the best attack and defense in the league.
The Munhumutapa Cup knockout round takes centre stage this weekend, with lower league sides facing Premier League teams at stadiums across the country.
