The unthinkable could happen

• Published date: 12 September 2016
• Publication title: The Sunday Mail

LOSING back-to-back league games to Highlanders is treasonous at Dynamos. The last time DeMbare suffered such a humiliation was way back in 2006. Now Lloyd Mutasa is in danger of suffering a repeat of the unthinkable. Highlanders host Dynamos in the second segment of the 2016 edition of the Battle of Zimbabwe at Barbourfields this afternoon. Kick-off is 3pm and the blockbuster battle will be watched across Africa courtesy of SuperSport.

Young striker Prince Dube, who has strangely gone quiet, and Bruce Kangwa, now based in Tanzania, combined efforts on May 28 when Highlanders beat Dynamos 2-0 at Rufaro in the reverse fixture.

A 10-year jinx was finally broken and Mutasa became the first Dynamos gaffer to lose to Highlanders in a league match since 2006.

Not only that, he lost at home.

And now Bosso are on a rare double over DeMbare, a feat that was last achieved by Methembe Ndlovu's group a decade ago as the Bulawayo giants marched to the Premier Soccer League championship.

'Football being football, anything can happen but a scenario whereby Highlanders get six points from Dynamos is unacceptable at our institution. I took part in numerous battles against Highlanders as a player and it was always nice to win at Barbourfields,' said Mutasa ahead of the tie.

'We have been injecting the sense of belief into the youngsters, reminding them how important this fixture is.

'We did our best at training and I am sure it will reflect on the pitch on Sunday.'

Barbourfields has historically been a happy hunting ground for DeMbare and Mutasa is hoping to ride the crest of that wave to put a smile on the faces of the famed millions who follow the Glamour Boys.

Highlanders coach Erol Akbay is aware of the threat posed by DeMbare at Emagumeni but chose to speak about the bigger picture: the title race.

'It is a very difficult game but I think every match now is like a cup final for all the top five teams.

'The race is wide open for all the top five teams,' said Akbay.

After enduring a worrying dry spell, Bosso are back to winning ways, posting two consecutive victories against neighbours How Mine and the unpredictable Border Strikers.

Highlanders were just two points behind FC Platinum at the midway stage of the season but they are now six adrift of Pure Platinum Play who are on 44 points after 22 rounds of action.

Dynamos are nine points behind the leaders but there is a strong belief among...