Highlanders coach Kelvin Kaindu believes Dynamos’ dominance over the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League leaders must come to an end on Sunday at Barbourfields Stadium.
On his Facebook post yesterday, Kaindu, a firm believer in God, said: “My Father my Father, enough is enough, what is written is written, it shall be well.”
The pacesetters are unbeaten in 14 matches and have 32 points, three ahead of second-placed Shabanie Mine.
Highlanders have endured five years of playing second fiddle to perennial rivals Dynamos and basing on the performance of the Kaindu-coached side, is there hope of the losing streak ending?
Highlanders last beat Dynamos in 2006, the year they last won the championship under the tutelage of Methembe Ndlovu and, who, at the time would have doubted the quality of Tapuwa Kapini, Ralph Matema, Vusa Nyoni and Honour Gombami?
The defending champions are expected to vent their anger at Highlanders after bowing out of the Caf Champions League and the Confederation Cup.
Both sides have injected new blood into their set-ups and the players will want to write their own piece of history.
Kaindu, who once featured in the epic clash years back as a Bosso striker, yesterday told NewsDay Sport that his charges were geared up for the match.
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“It has been a long time since Highlanders last beat Dynamos. Dynamos have been dominant over us and that gives them a bit of an advantage. We respect them because they are enjoying a rich vein of form and they have been playing in the Confederation Cup,” he said.
“But the Sunday game is just like any other match although it means a lot to the supporters. Fans should come and enjoy the game. The game should be won on the field of play, not outside.”
Highlanders team doctor Xolani Ndlovu yesterday said Bhekimpilo Ncube and Lawson Nkomo had been ruled out through injuries picked up against Quelaton last Sunday while defender Dumisani Ndlovu was still undergoing assessment.
Dynamos assistant coach Tonderai Ndiraya said they would not rely on history as they go into the game.
“This is a new ball game altogether. We cannot rely on the past as that does not work in football. Highlanders are a very good side and they have a very good team this season.
“They are fighting for the championship while we want to retain it, so that will make it an exciting game.
“We are coming for the three points but it will be a very close contest,” he said.
Ndiraya said top striker Takesure Chinyama would have to pass a late fitness test while veteran Murape Murape would miss the game through injury.
“We are not quite sure if goalkeeper Washington Arubi will be available as he went to South Africa to finalise his deal with Pretoria University,” said Ndiraya.
George Chigova and Phillip Nhete are the other goalkeepers in the Dynamos camp, in the event Arubi fails to return.
Last season, the teams drew nil-all at Barbourfields while Dynamos won the reverse fixture 3-1 at Rufaro.
