SEVEN years have passed since Dynamos supporter Stanford Nhau, popularly known as Taribo West, met his fate.
REPORT BY HENRY MHARA
For many Dynamos fans, they will forever blame their Highlanders counterparts for the demise of their own.
They allege that Taribo died after succumbing to injuries he suffered from the attacks by rival fans in a match between hosts Highlanders and Dynamos at Barbourfields Stadium — a claim that the accused have sturdily rebuffed.
Taribo’s death, the Dynamos supporters claim, has cast a bad spell on Highlanders which would only be wiped out if Bosso pay “damages”.
On Sunday, during the top-of-the-table clash between the two sides which took place at the “crime scene”, there was an image in the stadium that drew the attention of many including SuperSport cameras.
It was of a poster which was held high up by a Dynamos supporter. It was inscribed, “Kusvika mati sorry,” loosely translated as “Until you apologise.” To many who saw the poster either in the stadium or on television, it made little sense.
“Taribo’s spirit is still hovering. He is still angry wherever he is,” explained Dynamos staunch supporter Alvin “Aluvha” Zhakata to NewsDay Sport yesterday. “Until Highlanders pay us a herd of cattle to appease his spirits, they will never defeat Dynamos, never.”
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To those who believe in superstition, this aptly explains Dynamos’ dominance over Highlanders.
Since completing back-to-back wins over Dynamos in 2006, the year Taribo met his fate, Highlanders has not beaten Dynamos again even in matches they have dominated possession.
In the two teams’ latest encounter, the hosts largely bossed play and were at one point in the game boasting of a 61% ball possession against Dynamos’ 39%.
But as has been the trait in this encounter in recent years, Dynamos somehow managed to find their way when Ocean Mushure was brought down inside the box with some few minutes remaining on the clock.
The left-back dusted himself up to find the right top corner from the spot kick despite best efforts from Highlanders goalkeeper Munyaradzi Diya.
The only goal of the incident-filled match, which saw both teams having a player sent off, sent Dynamos back to the top of the log table, but only on goal difference as second-placed Harare City are also on 48 points.
Defender Patson Jaure and striker Njabulo Ncube for Dynamos and Highlanders respectively were given straight red cards.
The two players will now miss the next two of their clubs’ remaining four league games.
Jaure will miss Dynamos’ trip to Triangle and a home match against Shabanie Mine.
The last time Jaure missed matches for Dynamos, they were whacked by Buffaloes and Hwange.
Kalisto Pasuwa’s men still have to travel to Chicken Inn and will complete their season at home to Black Mambas.
As for Highlanders, who are now a point behind the leading two teams going into the final stretch, they will have to do without their top striker for the match against Motor Action and Triangle.
The Bulawayo giants are also still to play Harare City away and will conclude their season at home to Shabanie Mine.
Of the three leading teams, it is Harare City which has what appears a tough run in.
Besides their last two matches against Bosso — an encounter which might prove decisive for the two teams — the City Fathers are also yet to play a rejuvenated Caps United, which they are meeting on the last day of the season.
But before that, the Bigboy Mawiwi-coached side will face Black Rhinos and Motor Action, two clashes which should be manageable.
Top three’s remaining four fixtures Dynamos: Triangle (a), Shabanie Mine (h), Chicken Inn (a), Black Mambas (h). Harare City: Black Rhinos (a), Motor Action (h), Highlanders (h), Caps United (a). Highlanders: Motor Action (a), Triangle (h), Harare City (a), Shabanie Mine (h)
