League leaders Highlanders will look to consolidate their re-emergence as a formidable force in the Zimbabwe Premier League when they host fierce rivals Dynamos in local football's modest version of El Classico.
It is indeed a clash between Zimbabwean football's two biggest clubs, usually coming with its fair share of drama and intrigue. The encounter has lost its pull in recent times though, in part because of Highlanders' prolonged spell in the doldrums. The Bulawayo giants most recently tasted league success back in 2006, though they have lost just one out of six matches so far this season.
Sunday's showdown presents Highlanders with the perfect setting to prove their determination to build on last season's fine run of form. Bosso registered back-to-back league victories over Dynamos, who sit in 12th place currently, even threatening to run away with the title at one stage, before finishing a credible third in the standings.
The arrival of coach Erol Akbay at the start of last year sparked Highlanders' revival, with the Dutchman expertly blending some promising young talent with seasoned veterans to come up with a competitive outfit.
Akbay will, however, have to make do without exciting young forward Prince Dube, who is out of Sunday's tie after pulling a muscle in the goalless draw away to Chapungu in Bosso's most recent encounter.
Dube has scored three goals in six league matches and his combination with Dynamos discard Rodreck Mutuma is proving a handful for the league's defences. The enigmatic Mutuma will be higly motivated to put one past his former employers.
Godfrey Mataruse, another promising young forward, is out injured but Akbay has other options, with Gabriel Nyoni and veteran Ralph Matema all eager for an opportunity to impress up front. After posting three consecutive wins over ZPC Kariba (3-1), Tsholotsho (2-1), and Ngezi (1-0), Bosso showed they still remained vulnerable to the odd slip-up when drawing at bottom-placed Chapungu.
Akbay will also be aware that he is coming up against a Dynamos team who retain their trademark capacity to upset the form books despite some ongoing challenges. Dynamos coach Lloyd Mutasa has a new-look outfit, with recruits Quality Kangadze, Emmanuel Mandiranga, Cleopas Kapupurike, and Gift Saunyama still trying to get to grips with life at the former champions.
Dynamos have won two of their five matches to sit 12th in the standings with seven points, six behind leaders Highlanders. Mutasa must be aware it's time to start crawling up the table and a result at Barbourfields is imperative.
The only notable absentee for Dynamos is injured midfielder Saunyama, but Mutasa will at least take comfort in the improving form of star player Denver Mukamba.
Weekend Fixtures
Saturday, May 13
How Mine vs. FC Platinum, Bulawayo City vs. Black Rhinos, ZPC Kariba vs. Tsholostho, Yadah vs. Chicken Inn
Sunday, May 14
Hwange vs. Triangle, Shabanie Mine vs. Chapungu, Highlanders vs. Dynamos, Harare City vs. Ngezi Platinum