Harare derby showdown: Chitembwe guns for victory, Magombe walks tight rope

MICHAEL KARIATI

Lloyd Chitembwe insists Caps United have no fears about facing fierce rivals Dynamos in a Harare Derby at Rufaro Stadium on Sunday.

The derby has returned to Rufaro Stadium since 2019 when the stadium was closed for renovations.

Matches between Caps United and Dynamos are ranked among the top derbies in Africa alongside that of Al Ahly and Zamalek in Egypt, Go Mahia and AFC Leopards in Kenya, Young Africans and Simba in Tanzania as well as Kaiser Chiefs and Orlando Pirates in South Africa.

Chitembwe’s team  are on a roll and are placed sixth on the table while Dynamos are in 10th position with only two wins in 10 outings.

The Caps United coach, Chitembwe,  is hoping to build on an impressive run and is confident his players can hold their own  against Dynamos.

“Dynamos is a big team and we respect them for all they have achieved, but we want to win this game and my boys are ready,” said Chitembwe.

Chitembwe is well aware of the threat  that his side poses and has potential match winning players in  Junior , Lot Chiwunga, and William Manondo.

Dynamos on the other hand do not want to lose to Caps United and for that matter at Rufaro Stadium, where they have a strong history.

Genesis Mangombe, the coach of Dynamos, is walking on a tight rope and in a precarious position.

Should they lose to the Green Machine, he might lose his job.

Popular Dynamos supporter Adam Mukwasi sums up the mood among the team’s horde of followers. “We are not happy with the results so far. If we lose to Caps United Kaka (Mangombe) must go,” said Mukwasi.

Dynamos, though, are not short of ammunition as the likes of Temptation Chiwunga, Tanaka Shandirwa, and Shadreck Nyahwa are all capable of turning the tables on the Green Machine.

Caps United and Dynamos are fielding two Chiwunga brothers, Lot for Caps United and Temptation for Dynamos.

After years of disappointment, this looks like a derby that will light up Harare.