THE stage is set for another chapter in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League when the country’s biggest and largely followed clubs, Highlanders and Dynamos, continue their rivalry in a blockbuster encounter at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday.
With both traditional giants still harbouring hopes of closing the gap on the leading pack, the clash comes at a crucial stage of the campaign, with sixth-placed Dynamos and seventh-placed Highlanders separated by just a point on the log standings.
The two sides shared the spoils in an entertaining 2-2 draw in the reverse fixture at Rufaro Stadium earlier this season, and another fiercely contested encounter is expected in Bulawayo.
Highlanders appear to have rediscovered some momentum after a difficult spell.
The Bulawayo giants have collected three wins in their last five outings, beating Bulawayo Chiefs, Agama and Hunters, all at Barbourfields, while suffering a defeat away to TelOne and earning a valuable point in a draw against Manica Diamonds in Mutare.
The Bulawayo giants have particularly looked formidable at home, where they have turned Barbourfields into a fortress in recent weeks.
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This is despite coach Benjani Mwaruwari admitting shortcoming in his boys’ type of play and lacking the cutting edge upfront.
Their victories over Agama and Hunters were secured in dramatic fashion, getting their winning goals in the dying minutes of the game.
Dynamos arrive in the City of Kings and Queens carrying an unbeaten run in their last five matches.
DeMbare have registered victories over TelOne and Ngezi Platinum Stars at Rufaro, while drawing away to Manica Diamonds and sharing points with Hunters at home.
The other match in their last five is the abandoned fixture against Hardrock at Chahwanda Stadium.
The Harare giants have tightened up defensively in recent weeks and will be looking to build on a run that has seen them steadily climb the table after an inconsistent start to the season.
Sunday’s fixture presents an opportunity for either side to strengthen their push towards the top four and potentially revive ambitions of mounting a late challenge on the frontrunners.
For Mwaruwari, the challenge will be to maintain the home form that has yielded encouraging results in recent weeks.
Bosso have shown signs of improvement going forward, while their defensive organisation has also become more solid.
Dynamos, meanwhile, will bank on their recent consistency and experience in high-pressure encounters.
Pride and bragging rights carry as much significance as the points on offer when the two sides clash.
As has become customary whenever the two football giants meet, a capacity crowd is expected at Barbourfields, creating an electric atmosphere befitting one of African football's oldest rivalries.
With both teams entering the contest in decent form and eager to keep pace with the teams above them, all the ingredients are in place for a thrilling encounter.
For Highlanders, victory would see them leapfrog their old rivals and strengthen their position in the race for the top places.
For Dynamos, maximum points would further consolidate their place in the upper reaches of the table and underline their growing credentials.
When Bosso and DeMbare collide, form often counts for little, and the Sunday date promises another fascinating battle between two clubs.
No tickets will be sold at the venue as they are being sold online and at selected outlets.