CAPS United chief executive officer Morton Dodzo is calling on supporters to fill Rufaro Stadium this Sunday for his team’s Harare Derby clash against Dynamos.
While he wants a packed house to cheer on the teams, the experienced administrator is urging fans to maintain peace, insisting the spectacle should be defined by passion rather than violence.
The derby arrives with both sides firmly in the title conversation, despite the two giants stumbling last weekend: Caps United fell to Bulawayo Chiefs, while Dynamos succumbed to Chicken Inn.
Speaking to NewsDay Sport yesterday, Dodzo emphasised that although the rivalry is fierce, fan safety remains the club’s top priority.
“The big match is upon us, and I’m calling for supporters to come in their numbers and fill up the stadium,” Dodzo said.
“A lot is at stake for both teams in this match, but I just want to remind our fans that, above all, it’s all about having fun.”
He was quick to praise the improved conduct of the Makepekepe supporters during their impressive start to the campaign.
“We have started well this season in terms of supporters’ behaviour. We have had very minimal cases of hooliganism, minimal cases of violence, and very minimal cases of missile throwing. I need to applaud our supporters for that. They are behaving very well, and we want them to continue on that trajectory. It is costly to the team when they misbehave. So whatever the result — we are hoping to win — when we win, let’s win together. When we lose, let’s also lose together.”
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For Caps United, the ultimate goal this term is ending a title drought that stretches back to 2016. Under the guidance of new coach Takesure Chiragwi, the team currently sits atop the table with 22 points from 10 matches, five points clear of fifth-placed Dynamos.
Dodzo acknowledged that the path to the trophy is rarely a straight line.
“We are not going to win all the games throughout the season. What we want is to win the league,” Dodzo declared.
“But the fans need to know: as we drive toward winning the league, we will face challenges along the way. We will lose some games and we may draw some. What’s important is to unite and to stand together. So come Sunday, let’s rally behind the team and let’s behave well. We have so much confidence in our supporters. They are the owners of the game. They are the owners of the team. Given the profile of the game, the fans drive our players, give them confidence, and also help them manage the pressure. Let’s make the environment ecstatic and exciting.”
The gravity of the match is reflected in the massive incentives being dangled before the players.
Caps United owner Farai Jere has reportedly pledged to double winning bonuses to US$1 000 per player for a victory.
Not to be outdone, Dynamos have been promised a brand-new luxury bus by businessman Wicknell Chivayo if they secure maximum points.
The build-up has not been without its typical derby-day drama.
The Dynamos camp faced a brief scare on Tuesday when players staged a sit-in over unpaid signing-on fees.
However, club chairperson Vincent Chawonza intervened swiftly to resolve the dispute, ensuring training resumed the same day.
On the pitch, both squads are expected to be at full strength.
In a boost for DeMbare, midfielder Tellmore Pio has been cleared to play. Initial communication from the league suggested he was suspended for yellow card accumulation, but the league later on confirmed a clerical error, noting he did not receive a booking in the match against Chicken Inn.
With the top of the table heavily congested, no team could afford to drop points.
A defeat for Caps United could see them knocked off their perch to third, while a second consecutive loss for Dynamos could prove catastrophic for their title aspirations.
Castle Lager Premier Soccer League MatchDay 11 fixtures.
Tomorrow: FC Hunters v Ngezi Platinum Stars (Heart), MWOS v Chicken Inn (Ngoni), FC Platinum v Scottland (Mandava), TelOne v Hardrock (Ascot), Simba Bhora v Zpc Kariba (Wadzanayi), Bulawayo Chiefs v Herentals (Barbourfields), Manica Diamonds v Agama (Sakubva).
Sunday: Highlanders v Triangle (Barbourfields), Dynamos v Caps United (Rufaro).
