KEY MAN: Malajila will join up with rest of Highlanders team on Friday • Dynamos take slender lead on champions league return • Malajila leads Highlanders rampage • Muhoni gatecrashes H'landers party • Dynamos look to past for inspiration • Goal shy Highlanders strikers on the spot • Dynamos, Highlanders meet in Charity Shield • 2008 Premier Soccer League Fixtures • Dynamos draw CAPS in season opener • Highlanders parade new signings • Zifa extends transfer window to February 29 • Majabvi on trials at SA club • Highlanders unveil 5 new players • Majabvi, Murape and Sadomba get new deals • Highlanders call press conference to unveil Khumalo • Orlando Pirates chase Highlanders goalie • Free State Stars sign CAPS FC's Nkatha • MTL Wanderers say Gumbo's job safe • Khumalo set for new Highlanders role • Murape Murape wins Soccer Star of the Year award • Rhinos, Hwange and Mwana Africa relegated • Relegation battle goes to the wire • Dynamos clinch league and cup double • 2007 Premier Soccer League Fixtures

By Nkanyiso Moyo

HIGHLANDERS and Dynamos shift their focus back to the domestic scene on Sunday when they clash in the second leg of the Nestle Zimbabwe Champion of Champions Charity Shield at Gwanzura Stadium.

The two teams drew 1-1 in the first leg at Barbourfields Stadium last week.

Godfrey Japajapa, the Premier Soccer League fixtures secretary confirmed the change of venue due to the unavailability of Rufaro Stadium.

An artificial turf is still being laid at the venue and further inspections are expected on Thursday.

Indications though are that it could be ready for the season opening Harare derby between Dynamos and CAPS United on March 8.

Both teams were involved in continental fixtures last weekend. The champions Dynamos laboured to a 1-0 win over Royal Leopards in the first leg of the Champions League, while Highlanders thumped Ferroviario de Nampula 3-0 in the Confederations Cup.

The PSL has hiked the entry charges for the Gwanzura showdown with the cheapest ticket being pegged at $20 million, while a seat in the grand stand in selling for $50 million and VIP tickets are going for $100 million.

When the two teams clashed in the first leg at Barbourfields, the PSL were charging $5 million for the rest of ground, and $20 million for the grandstand.

The massive hike in entry fees appears aimed at cutting down on the numbers at Gwanzura which can take up to 20 000 fans while the match is expected to
attract a crowd of about 30 000.

Both teams have had their preparations hampered by the national team’s training camp in Harare.

Key players are not available in the build up to the game. The Warriors’ training camp, which started on Monday, will end on Thursday morning. Players are expected to join up with their respective teams on Friday morning, according to Warriors manager Enerst Sibanda, who is also the Highlanders chairman.

Dynamos are going through their preparations without Coach of the Year, David Mandigora, who is the assistant to Brazilian coach Jose Valinhos.

Dynamos’ playing staff with the Warriors includes Edward Sadomba, Thomas Sweswe, Mtshumayeli Moyo, Tawanda Mareya and Admire Dzukamanja.

Highlanders are preparing for the final leg without goalkeeper Washington Arubi, Gilbert Banda, Zephaniah Ngodzo, Herbert Dick and Cuthbert Malajila.

Winners of the charity shield will pocket $35 billion while runners-up will bag $15 billion. Both teams are guaranteed $12.5 billion in participation fees, which should also prove a good incentive for the players.
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