LAST week’s installment of the explosive Zvishavane derby pitting FC Platinum against Shabanie Mine proved that it is standing the test of time and is arguably one of local football’s liveliest crosstown duels.
BY MUKUDZEI CHINGWERE
So intense has it remained that even the famed Harare derby of Dynamos and CAPS United has found a worthy challenger.
FC Platinum have made tremendous investment into their project and fears were that this derby would die due to the Chinda Boys’ penury and ultimately downward spiral.
But the Chinda Boys, who do not have proper funding structures since operations at the asbestos mine were stopped, will not be bullied.
Last week they traded leather for leather in an entertaining league duel which was played before a packed Maglas Stadium.
Chapungu coach Tendai Chikuni, who has coached both FC Platinum and Shabanie Mine, said this fixture was the most important for either side.
“I have worked for both teams as a coach and I can tell you that both executives want a win in this game more than any other games. Of course they might need wins to fight against relegation or win the championship, but a victory in this game for either Shabanie Mine or FC Platinum is very important; it comes with bragging rights,” he said.
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“A defeat for either side is difficult to take; even when either team is not doing well, FC Platinum will tell you that we cannot lose to Shabanie Mine, while Shabanie Mine say the same thing.
“If you have noticed, when either side win the match, the one who have lost will blame the referees for their loss. These sets of supporters are both very passionate when it comes to the love of their respective teams.”
Interesting, yet surprising, is the fact that FC Platinum are benevolent to their archenemy, to the extent of meeting some of Shabanie Mine’s financial obligations.
But still, they get no favours when the derby comes around.
The derby in the Midlands brings the whole town to a standstill and cannot go unnoticed by even those who do not follow the game.
The undying belief and enduring nature of Shabanie fans gives the rivalry a befitting edge; the Chinda Boys’ supporters will stand by their team against all odds and even mourned with them when they were relegated to the unfashionable second tier league.
Back in the elite division, the asbestos miners are refusing to be cowed by FC Platinum, their illustrious opponents.
FC Platinum media liaison officer Chido Chizondo said the rivalry for them is a unifying factor, not otherwise.
“When we are playing against them, we do everything in our might to get maximum points. On the field of play we need the victory but the good thing is that the rivalry has remained peaceful,” she said.
“The derby is good for football and the people of Zvishavane; it brings with it a pleasing spectacle, the rivalry only exists in terms of football. We as FC Platinum are willing to help them when they have problems.
“Some of the Shabanie Mine supporters even work for FC Platinum Holdings and we cannot afford to have violent clashes as we also want to make it a family sport.”
FC Platinum has an edge over their town rivals in terms of head-to-head comparisons between the two teams.
In nine meetings since 2011, the platinum miners have won four times and lost once while four matches have ended in a stalemate.
Seasoned football administrator Pithias Shoko, the current Zifa Central Region Division One board member marketing who hails from Zvishavane, said the town had created a perfect ambience for football.
“It is more than a game, winning the bragging rights for both teams is something very important to both sets of supporters. The community is generally football-loving and their love of the game has resulted in this passion,” he said.
“For Shabanie Mine supporters, they just hope that things will be fine because even if they are not doing well, the loyalty is unmatched. FC Platinum have the resources to compete against the very best.
“The peaceful atmosphere that has been created in Zvishavane is a model which everyone in the country should emulate.”
