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Lloyd Mutasa

Eddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
DYNAMOS’ 10-year unbeaten record against Highlanders in league matches faces a severe test when the giants revive their rivalry at the National Sports Stadium this Saturday.

The clash comes at a time when the Glamour Boys are probably at their weakest as they try to recover from a poor run which began under Portuguese coach Paulo Jorge Silva, who has since been sacked.

Former midfielder Lloyd Mutasa has been installed on an interim basis and finds himself with the huge task to safeguard their proud record.

Dynamos last lost a league match to Highlanders in 2006 when Bosso were under the guidance of Methembe Ndlovu.

But there have been close encounters between the giants in recent meetings.

Although DeMbare have dominated Highlanders, tables turned in the last competitive match when Bosso romped to a 2-1 win in the semi-finals of the NetOne Easycall Cup at Barbourfields in December.

Bosso had also managed a rare win in 2011 when they beat DeMbare in the Independence Trophy final at the National Sports Stadium.

Last year in the league, DeMbare romped to a routine win when they emerged 3-2 victors at Rufaro courtesy of a Ronald Chitiyo brace and another goal from Qadr Amini while Knox Mutizwa got both Highlanders’ goals.

The return leg at Barbourfields ended in a 1-1 draw with goals from Mthulisi Maphosa and Takesure Chinyama.

But some key changes have taken place ever since.

Dynamos no longer have their midfield star Chitiyo, Blessing Moyo and big forward Chinyama while Highlanders have lost Obadiah Tarumbwa, Nqobizitha Masuku and Young Warriors defender Teenage Hadebe.

Exciting winger Valentine Ndaba has also crossed the floor to join Dynamos but will not be available for this match due to injuries he suffered from a car accident last month.

Bosso have had a positive run under expatriate coach Erol Akbay early in the season while DeMbare were forced to sack their Portuguese mentor Silva following a poor start.

Silva also left with the unwanted record of being the first coach to lose a league match to DeMbare’s biggest city rivals CAPS United in seven years.

Mutasa said the Glamour Boys need to pull up their socks.

DeMbare are currently on 12th place with eight points, six behind Bosso after the opening seven games.