Head coach Tavaka Gumbo said being paired against the champions would present his side with an opportunity to see where they stand.
“We are in the top flight league so we should be prepared to fight against the best. It is good that we are playing against Dynamos at Rufaro because that would give us a chance to evaluate ourselves.
“We have so much respect for Dynamos as they are a club with a rich history, but we are not scared of them,” he said.
Gumbo, who made a name for himself while playing for the now defunct Shu-Shine, said he hopes his team would not be affected by playing in front of a packed Rufaro.
“We have retained most of the players who helped us gain promotion to the Premiership and it is my hope that they will not be intimidated by the crowd.
“Dynamos have a good strike force but we should be able to repel their attacks,” he said.
Gumbo said he would be banking on the experience of captain Calisto Mayiya, Richard Jongwe and Brian Juru.
Dynamos are still bubbling with confidence after holding the Mozambican side in their own back ground last weekend with big striker Takesure Chinyama scoring a brace.
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Meanwhile, a new-look Highlanders will be out to make a first impression in their 2012 Castle Lager Premiership first match when they take on Blue Rangers at Barbourfields on Sunday afternoon.
Highlanders head coach Kelvin Kaindu’s new-look outfit includes former FC Platinum’s duo of anchorman Mthulisi Maphosa and midfielder Bhekimpilo Ncube and tear-away winger Masimba Mambare, acquired from Motor Action.
Also in the squad is former Motor Action defender Milton Ncube, ex-Chicken Inn’s Heritein Masuku, Quelaton’s Peter Moyo and Zimbabwe Saints striker Beaven Chikaka, who had a brief stint with Botswana’s Tafic after he left relegated Chikwata mid-season last year.
Highlanders have also roped in Black Mambas defender Atlast Musasa, who seemed to impress the Highlanders technical department soon after his arrival in the Bosso camp at the start of the preparations for 2012.
Kaindu, assisted by former defender-turned-midfielder Bekithemba “Super” Ndlovu, kept faith in defence pillar, Innocent Mapuranga, Lawson Nkomo, Simon Munawa, Knox Mtizwa, Eric Mudzingwa and striker Graham Ncube.
Highlanders lost former skipper Gilbert Banda and Louis Matawu to FC Platinum and Rahman Kutsanzira to Caps United.
They face a changed Blue Rangers (formerly Blue Ribbon) who have also signed Elliot Matsika and Eddie Mashiri from Shooting Stars.
Vincent Nzombe, who had a gloomy season with Bosso last year, has also joined Blue Rangers together with forgotten ex-Dynamos’ Nyasha Chazika.During the off-season break, Blue Rangers lost James Jam, Daniel Kamunenga, Simon Choenda, Eriah Phiri, Brighton Tuwaya, Cabby Kamhapa, Virimai Mukudu and Ephraim Mwinga.
Sunday’s fixtures: Dynamos vs Hardbody (Rufaro), Highlanders vs Blue Rangers (Barbourfields), Shabanie Mine vs CAPS United (Maglas), Buffaloes vs Monomotapa (Sakubva)
