Highlanders, then known as Matabele Highlanders, started their rivalry with Zimbabwe Saints, then known as Mashonaland United in 1931.
Saints and Bosso have not been at the best of form in the last fortnight with Highlanders losing to Motor Action 2-0 at home before suffering another defeat away to FC Platinum in Zvishavane on Wednesday.
The two losses saw Bosso dropping from second position to fifth while Chikwata occupies 10th position after they settled for a goalless draw against Shabanie Mine in their last league match on Thursday.
The last time Bulawayo fans watched the derby was on June 11 2006, when Highlanders trounced Zimbabwe Saints 3-1 with goals coming from Tapuwa Kapini, Vusa Nyoni and Ralph Matema. The reverse fixture saw Bosso collecting three more points from Chikwata with a 1-0 score line.
The ingredient that should make the derby much more exciting is the fact that former Highlanders kingpin who used to trouble Saints, Willard Mashinkila Khumalo has since crossed the floor to join Zimbabwe Saints as head coach while Saints and Warriors legend Agent Sawu returns as his assistant.There are a number of former Bosso players that include the hard running Chipo “Jack Roller” Tsodzo, Danisa Phiri, Castrol Ndebele and Abraham Mbaiwa that have joined Saints in the 2011 soccer season. In return Bosso have also signed Simon Munawa from Chikwata.
Highlanders gaffer Mkhuphali Masuku hopes for the return of his creative right wing back defender Lawson Nkomo who always makes things happen for Bosso and Gift Lunga Junior. The two sat on the terraces, when Bosso lost to FC Platinum, as they were not eligible to play in that match after picking three yellow cards each.
Bosso was the first team to be formed in Bulawayo and command the highest number of supporters ahead of their rivals.Bosso was formed in 1926 while Chikwata was formed later in 1931 out of several teams which had their origins from Shona-speaking areas but based in Bulawayo.
In other matches, Hwange, who are enjoying a rich vein of form, are set to welcome FC Platinum in Hwange.
