Old foes Dynamos and CAPS United might have indicated that they would be fielding weaker sides in this afternoon’s ZNA Commander’s Charity Shied semifinal at Rufaro, but that might not erase the derby paint associated with their meetings.
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It is the third time inside a month that the Harare giants collide this pre-season and are again set to clash in as early as week four of the upcoming Premier Soccer League campaign.
Following United’s triumph over Dynamos in the Sino-Zim Challenge Cup on February 22, Dynamos took revenge last Sunday by overpowering their rivals in the Bob91 Super Cup final. Despite Dynamos carrying bragging rights of being the superior side between the two in recent years, it is now back to ground zero for 2015.
United last year knocked Dynamos at the similar stage of this competition, drawing wild celebrations from the green side of Harare which marched amidst song and dance into the central business district.
With pride at stake, the giants intend to summon fringe players for action this afternoon.
Caps United coach Mark Harrison said more concern is preparing for the new season.
“We are serious about this match but we will field a lot of youngsters,” said Harrison.
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The Englishman torched a storm early last week when he held onto United players from reporting for the national Under-23 camp citing need for more time to work with his players before the season starts.
Dynamos too have three players with the Young Warriors. In another semifinal tie between Highlanders and How Mine at Barbourfields, fringe sides would again be used. While these Bulawayo giants have not yet established their rivalry to greater heights, their confrontation would be an exhibition of what they have to offer this season in terms of depth.
It would be another test for Highlanders coach Bongani Mafu’s tactical acumen after Bosso were defeated by CAPS United in the Bob91 Super Cup elimination match.
“I think this is a match for us to prove we have the right mixture of players,” said Mafu.
“I will field the guys I have not been using in most matches we have played. It would be good to see if they can withstand the challenge of playing against big teams like How Mine. Of course results always matter despite the level of the game.”
From the opposite dugout, Luke Masomere’s expensively-assembled team would be under scrutiny if it has enough cover for non-regulars.
