DYNAMOS’ title pursuit comes across a new and unique challenge on Sunday when they meet premiership debutants Bantu Rovers at Barbourfields.
Both teams are unbeaten in a month, but the similarities end there. Rovers are stuck in relegation waters while Dynamos top the league after 13 matches.
After a false start in their first season in the premiership, Rovers moved to stem the rot with club president Methembe Ndlovu joining the technical team led by coach Gift Lunga (Snr) on the bench.
The Bulawayo club also completed the capture of free agent, Obadiah Tarumbwa – a former Highlanders striker who had a short stint at Cercle Brugge in Belgium.
They have not lost since – posting a 2-0 victory over Eagles, drawing 1-1 with Kiglon and Shooting Stars before beating Underhill 1-0 last week.
But anything that Rovers can do, Dynamos can do better. The league leaders have no lost since Elvis Chiweshe was drafted in as head coach to replace David Mandigora six weeks ago. They had beaten Highlanders, Shooting Stars, Gunners, Kiglon and Hwange before drawing 1-1 with Monomotapa last week.
Defeat for Rovers on Sunday would be an unwelcome setback for Ndlovu and his ambitious technical staff which also includes former Highlanders manager, Emmett Ndlovu.
Dynamos know defeat will leave them vulnerable to the chasing pack which includes Gunners, Hwange, Lengthens and Highlanders – all on 21 points, just two behind the leaders.
Lunga said: “This is the biggest game for us this season, but we must not put ourselves under too much pressure. We will treat it like any other game. But at the same time, we have had a good run of late and will not want to just throw it away without a fight.”
Rovers will rely on Tarumbwa who has scored three goals in their four-match unbeaten run. On a good day, he can destroy any team. Defender Herbert Dick and goalkeeper Washington Arubi will bring the rear for Rovers hoping to stop the likes of Cuthberth Malajila, Phillip Marufu and Lloyd Hlahla.
Highlanders, who moved a point closer to Dynamos on Wednesday after picking up a point on the road at Monomotapa return to the capital for a date with Lengthens on Saturday. Both teams are shaping up to be rivals for the title and they will both be keen to avoid handing the other an advantage.
Troubled Njube Sundowns face Black Rhinos at Gwanzura while bottom-table Underhill have a date against Motor Action.
Kiglon welcome Hwange to Chibuku while Eagles have a date against Moses Chunga’s red hot Gunners.
On Sunday, CAPS United take on Highway at Rufaro and Monomotapa will try to rekindle their championship hopes against Shooting Stars.
Premier Soccer League Fixtures
Saturday: Black Rhinos v Sundowns (Gwanzura), Motor Action v Underhill (Callies), Lengthens v Highlanders (Rufaro), Eagles v Gunners (Rhudaka)
Sunday: Bantu Rovers v Dynamos (Barbourfields), CAPS United v Highway (Rufaro), Shooting Stars v Monomotapa (Gwanzura)
Monday: Kiglon v Hwange (Rufaro)