HIGHLANDERS head coach Pieter de Jongh is happy that his side is free from injury as they take on perennial rivals Dynamos in a relegation Castle Lager Premier Soccer League fight at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday.
In the middle of the standings on the ninth spot with 34 points, the Bulawayo giants are mathematically fighting the dreaded chop with four games remaining to the end of the season.
De Jongh says they only need four points and will be home and dry.
A win on Sunday will be a big stride in the campaign to stay afloat.
“It’s preparation for the big game on Sunday at BF against Dynamos: so far so good,” De Jongh said.
“Everyone is available and I am happy about that. But it’s very hot; very hot in Zimbabwe, but it’s for both sides, Highlanders and Dynamos.
“It is a big game. I like big games because they are always good. The bring good memories.
“Every country that I have worked in, I’ve always produced good results in big games. It’s a league game for both sides who are fighting relegation.”
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For Dynamos, under coach Kelvin Kaindu, who makes an emotional return to Emagumeni, they have been on a purple patch since engaging the Zambian mentor.
DeMbare have momentarily extricated themselves from the relegation zone, although they still have to fight as they statistically face the boot.
The Harare giants are only two points behind Highlanders, but sitting on position 14 on the table and a win on Sunday also enhances their chances of staying in the top league.
De Jongh expects the usual bumper crowd to cheer Highlanders on Sunday.
“We have two more points than the opponents,” the Dutch football manager said.
“We need to go to 39 points and then we are safe. We just need four points in four games.
“We play for victory, but so does the opponents. I hope for big support from our great fans. I think it will be a full house.
“It’s the biggest game in Zimbabwe football, there is no discussion about that.”
Highlanders and Dynamos played a goalless draw in the reverse fixture in April at Rufaro Stadium.
Kaindu was fired at Highlanders in June following a string of poor results and Dynamos quickly swooped on the Zambian national, who has acquitted himself well at The Glamour Boys.
