Harare Derby: All-or-nothing for DeMbare

SO DYNAMOS and the triangle shape presently have one thing in common – that is three points!

For all their troubles so far in the 2018 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League campaign, the Glamour Boys have garnered a measly return of only a paltry three points from a possible 18.

They are without a single win, only three draws and three losses in six starts.

That leaves them a massive 13 points off the pace from joint log leaders FC Platinum and Ngezi Platinum Stars (16), and, uncharacteristically, second from bottom. In unfamiliar territory, they are precariously nearest to the foot of the table than they are the top.

Already, DeMbare have lost – not only the respective matches, but also championship ground – to other title hopefuls Highlanders, Ngezi Platinum Stars and Chicken Inn.

Put simply, DeMbare, given their hefty status, have struggled to put their foot down and their season can be effectively described as yet to take off.

Add to the mix their blockbuster Harare Derby fixture against cross-city rivals CAPS United this weekend and it all becomes an even more intriguing prospect. This is another big game where loads will be on stake and lots to play and fight for, from the three points to the bragging rights. And another loss for the boys in blue may further complicate things, compound lives and have far-reaching repercussions at the club.

Pressure is already ratcheting up on coach Lloyd “Samaita” Mutasa if positive results remain elusive, the heat from which kitchen can now be felt even in the luxurious confines of the executive’s enclosure as the fastidious and raucous “seven millions” fans are demanding that they be given what they feel they deserve – a jumpstart to a seemingly faltering season and the return to glory days.

Now sauntering into the season’s seventh game, can that lion on the crest of the fabled Dynamos shirt finally roar to life and get the good times roll onto the pitch? Could this be the season-defining moment for the Glamour Boys, the moment they get to turn their season around?

While there will be no Denver Mukamba subplot to this titanic battle, it never gets shorn of a side-story, however; one of which is a platter of the battle of tactical supremacy between gaffers Mutasa and his opposite number and namesake Lloyd Chitembwe which will definitely be served.

The two Harare giants’ fortunes in goal paint a strikingly contrasting picture – DeMbare have scored four and conceded seven, leaving them with a goal difference of minus three; while the reverse or exact opposite is true for MaKepeKepe. And while CAPS United are out to keep pace with the frontrunners, Dynamos are eager to claw their way out of the basement.

MaKepeKepe, for their part, have not been entirely convincing, their fluctuating form earning them nine points from two wins and three draws. They are perched on position six after six games.

For DeMbare, the derby delight that comes with victory in this fixture should gather them some much-needed momentum before sparring with reigning champions FC Platinum next month in order to pick up some important points in the intervening period during which they will face Bulawayo City, Chapungu, Harare City and Bulawayo Chiefs respectively.

But until that time, who will stand tall over the other as CAPS United and Dynamos square off this weekend in the Harare Derby? Could this be the match that gets to ignite and shape the remainder of DeMbare’s season?

Easily the pick of the weekend – with another interesting one being a bossing Bosso entertaining an iron-willed Shabanie Mine – will this be a close contest or a decidedly one-sided match?