BULAWAYO giants Highlanders will be looking for a third successive victory over arch-rivals Dynamos this year when the two teams clash in the former’s 90th anniversary celebrations at Barbourfields Stadium this afternoon.
BY FORTUNE MBELE
Highlanders completed a league double over DeMbare for the first time in a decade, beating them 2-0 at Rufaro and then recording 2-1 victory in the reverse fixture.
Under the guidance of Erol Akbay, Highlanders had their best season in recent years, finishing in third place behind champions CAPS United and second-placed FC Platinum.
Bosso captain Felix Chindungwe said there would not be any better Christmas gift for the Bulawayo giants’ fans than beating Dynamos again this afternoon.
“We want our fans to come and enjoy. When you wear that black and white jersey, especially playing against Dynamos, it’s no longer a friendly match. It’s our birthday so beating Dynamos will give our supporters a worthwhile Christmas present,” Chindungwe, who was on the sidelines for the better part of the season, said.
He said all the players were taking the game seriously and the game would give the fans a chance to see what will be in stock for them next year.
“We are all taking the game seriously and I think Dynamos are equally serious because we beat them home and away so they will not want a repeat of that. Just because it is Dynamos, the game self-motivates and every player wants to be in good form for that match,” the dreadlocked Highlanders skipper said.
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Akbay, who leaves the country for Holland tomorrow, said he will be fielding his regular players in the game except for Prince Dube, who is in South Africa with the Under-20s for the Cosafa tournament. Bosso have lined up a number of events, leading to the Dynamos match later in the afternoon with fans expected to pay $2 for the rest of the ground, $5 for the wings and $10 for the VIP stand.
Meanwhile, Ariel Sibanda shed tears of joy after he was crowned Highlanders’ player of the season at a colourful ceremony held at Bulawayo Polytechnic College on Friday night.
The ceremony, which coincided with Highlanders 90th anniversary celebrations, was spiced up by the attendance of the club’s legends, ex-players and former executive committee members.
The long-serving Highlanders’ shot-stopper had not expected to nick the top gong, which was presented to him by Barry Daka, a former player and coach and son to the club’s founding member Vana Hlabangana.
The award, which was sponsored by Nyaradzo and Holiday Inn, offered him a bed and breakfast for two at a hotel.
Rahman Kutsanzira was named the players’ player of the year and walked away with a prize sponsored by Pub LaGondola.
The Ingwebu Breweries-sponsored Top Goal Scorer award went to Bruce Kangwa, who scored seven goals in 15 matches before joining Azam FC of Tanzania. Simon Munawa picked up the Most Consistent Player of the Year award, which was sponsored by Mjayeli Security.
The Canada Supporters’ Chapter sponsored the Longest Serving Player award won by Erick Mudzingwa, while Tendai Ngulube scooped the Most Disciplined Player award.
Castle Lager Soccer Star of the Year finalist Peter Muduhwa scooped the Most Improved Player of Year award.
The league’s rookie of the year Prince Dube, who is away in South Africa, won the Most Promising Player award, with most promising player from Division One going to Ray Lunga, son of Gift Lunga Senior.
