THE teams may be lying sixth and tenth respectively on the Castle Premier Soccer League log standings, yet the big Harare derby between Caps United and Dynamos set for Rufaro Stadium tomorrow has overshadows all weekend matches.
While the two had a stuttering start to the new season, Caps United have recently shown their mettle with positive results against Hwange and Yadah to move into the top half of the log.
Victory over their number one enemy would not only see them bag the city's bragging rights, but bring them right back into the title mix.
The Lloyd Chitembwe-coached side will be desperate to win but must improve their recent form against DeMbare to do so.
The Green Machine was completely outplayed in the three matches when the two sides met last season, losing all three, including in the Chibuku Super Cup quarterfinal.
For Dynamos coach Genesis Mangombe, the game is a test to his flailing side.
Dynamos are winless in three league games and the poor run has subsequently attracted criticism for Mangombe who knows the ideal route to relieve the pressure on his shoulders would be to win tomorrow's clash.
Mangombe admitted that his team has not done well in recent matches, something which he blamed on his players' impotence in front of goals.
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He has also blamed poor officiating for the team's recent results.
Mangombe has complained about the officiating in recent weeks. He was left fuming after Donald Dzvinyai's effort was ruled out for offside in the team's 1-1 draw against Herentals last week.
Television replays showed that the defender was onside when he headed in a freekick at the back post.
Herentals also had a goal incorrectly ruled out for an offside in that game.
Fans pelted the match officials in protest, but Mangombe has called on the supporters to refrain from taking the law into their own hands.
"I know there are a lot of emotions involved. Our team can win, draw or lose, but at the end of the day we still have some other games to play. Let us accept the results and some decisions as they come. We will try all means to make our fans happy and smile after the final whistle. I urge them [the fans] to desist from throwing things onto the pitch and refrain from violent behaviour that tarnishes our football," Mangombe said
"I also urge the match officials to be fair because their actions can contribute to disturbances especially in these derbies."
The former Yadah coach is expecting a tough duel tomorrow.
"It is always good to play these derbies but you know these derbies come with unpredictable results. We are trying our best to prepare. We are preparing in every area to make sure that at the end of the day, we win this game. We need to do everything to get a result. We will try our best to make sure that we also convert the chances we are creating because in every game we are creating a lot of chances, but we are failing to finish them off."
Ahead of the match, Dynamos have been buoyed by the return to full fitness of first choice goalkeeper Martin Mapisa and midfielders Tanaka "Kante" Shandirwa, Issa Sadiki and utility player Shadreck Nyahwa.
Skipper Frank Makarati is still out with a recurring knee problem and is joined on the treatment table by Valentine Kadonzvo who has a stomach bug.
Caps United are enjoying a purple patch, including two straight wins in their last matches at Rufaro.
There is no doubt that Chitembwe will be looking for revenge after last season's humiliation at the hands of Dynamos.
“Matches are never the same, like I always say. You look at the team we have this time around. It’s different from the team we had last year and there are so many things that come into play in this encounter,” Chitembwe said.
“It is also the reason why it counts to nothing whether you are on or off form. So we do not want to look much at the past but we are looking forward to this match with a lot of hope and belief that we are in a very good space to win it. We know the size of the task. It is not an easy task. But all the same, games are played to be won. This is the thinking in preparing for this game. The motivation comes from the fact that this fixture has always been big for both teams."
Matchday 12 fixtures
Today: Ngezi Platinum Stars v TelOne (Baobab), Bikita Minerals v Chegutu Pirates (Sakubva), Herentals v Bulawayo Chiefs (Rufaro), Arenel Movers v Yadah (Luveve), Fc Platinum v Hwange (Mandava), ZPC Kariba v Highlanders (Nyamhunga).
Tomorrow: Chicken Inn v Simba Bhora (Luveve), Caps United v Dynamos (Rufaro), Manica Diamonds v GreenFuel (Sakubva)
