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Eddie Chikamhi Senior Sports Reporter
THE last time Madinda Ndlovu graced the National Sports Stadium, he received a standing ovation from a huge and colourful crowd after his tricks charmed supporters during an exhibition match between Zimbabwe and Barcelona Legends. The oldest of the famous Ndlovu football-playing legends, Madinda was one of the stars of that show, with some flicks and cheeky passes that thrilled thousands of fans who thronged the giant stadium.

That was in November last year and he had just been told on the eve of that match that his relationship with his Botswana club had been terminated.

Tomorrow, Madinda returns to the giant stadium in the colours of his beloved Highlanders, the club where he built his name as a flying forward in which he was one of the best players of his generation.

He is unlikely to receive the warm reception he got on his last visit, given that he now leads an army of Highlanders players who are on a mission to beat their biggest rivals, Dynamos, in the Commander ZNA Charities Shield final.

Madinda, just like Dynamos’ Lloyd Mutasa, is a coach who loves working with youthful players and the stage for the birth of new stars has been set when the giants collide tomorrow.

The country’s two biggest clubs set up a dream date after their predominantly youthful outfits impressed in the semi-finals of the tournament last week.

The Dynamos second-string players managed to put behind disturbances that rocked their camp after senior players engaged on a strike, as they edged rivals CAPS United 1-0 courtesy of teenage forward Kudzanai ‘’KD’’ Dhemere’s second half goal.

Bosso showed great fighting spirit in the other semi-final, when Madinda Ndlovu’s boys managed to overturn the scores inside the last 35 minutes to beat Chicken Inn 2-1 in a match that had to be played over two days after the initial clash on Sunday was abandoned because of bad weather.

Highlanders, who have invoked their junior policy under Madinda, earned the right to play in the final courtesy of goals from Adrian Silla and Peter Muduhwa.

They had trailed 0-1 overnight after their match against the Gamecocks was abandoned 55 minutes into play on Sunday.
Buoyed by the performances which were well received by the fans in the City of Kings, with the victorious Bosso side going on a lap of honour after their victory, Ndlovu is expected to give another run to the youthful players, who include Nigel Mukombe, Ray Lunga, Ben Musaka, Thabo Lunga, Brian Banda, Silla and Ray Lunga, the son of former Highlanders legend Gift Lunga.

The Bulawayo giants, who showed most of their old war horses the door at the beginning of the year, still have considerable experience in their fold.
Defender Honest Moyo has been appointed the new captain, with Gabriel Nyoni and Charlton Siamalonga as his deputies.
The ZNA Charities final will be the first under this new leadership on the pitch.

Bosso have also set up a committee of senior players made up of Ariel Sibanda, Peter Muduhwa and Tendai Ndlovu to work with the captains.

Dynamos are hoping to draw huge crowds at home after their youngsters performed beyond expectations last week.
Mutasa has indicated he will look to blend his second-string players with the senior guys, who have returned from strike that almost crippled operations ahead of the semi-finals last week.

Midfielder Dhemere was the standout player and will again be the man to watch.
Mutasa will have to make a decision on some of the players like Valentine Kadonzvo, Tatenda Muringani and late second half substitute Panashe Mutasa, who played peripheral roles against CAPS United.

The Glamour Boys were boosted by the return of most of their senior players, who include skipper Ocean Mushure, Obey Mwerahari, Quality Kangadze, Emmanuel Mandiranga, Gift Saunyama and new acquisitions Raphael Manuvire, Jimmy Tigere and Marvellous Mukumba.

“It obviously indicates that there is a future ahead of us. It boosts the confidence of the youngsters, it enhances competition and it also spurs our performances as a team.

“I am happy for the young boys because if you can do well against one of the giants of domestic football, then it strengthens self-belief. If only we can remain intact, we will be very competitive.
“We are very much focused on the game against Highlanders. Everyone is itching for it and we will have to see how we can blend those that played last week and some of the senior players that are coming back,” said Mutasa.
Organisers said the stage is set for the match.

ZNA spokesperson Alphios Makotore said gate charges have been pegged at $3 for the rest of the ground, $5 VIP and $10 VVIP.

“Everything is now in place and we are calling on all football-loving Zimbabweans to come and see the country’s biggest teams in action.

“It’s for a charitable cause and we are happy with our football teams for their continued support. Gates will open at 10:00am and we urge people to come early. Since this is an event meant to raise funds for charity, no complimentary tickets will be given away.

“The Zimbabwe National Army Commander Lieutenant-General Edzai Absolom Chimonyo will be the guest of honour. He is the one who will hand over the trophy to the winners,” said Makotore.