Former football stars who played in Zimbabwe's biggest derbies say no emerging club can replace the importance and excitement of clashes involving Highlanders, Dynamos and Caps United.
Former Highlanders and Dynamos player Stewart Murisa, Aka "Shutto", said the Highlanders-Dynamos match always motivates players and remains difficult to predict.
"That game is unpredictable. It does not need any motivation because the match itself is a motivator. Every player wants to prove himself in such a game," said Murisa.
For many years, matches between Highlanders and Dynamos have attracted packed stadiums and intense rivalry. Murisa believes Sunday's league encounter at Barbourfields Stadium will feel like a cup final.
"That game is about playing for the badge, either the black and white or the blue. Every time these two clubs meet, it is like a cup final," he said.
Former Dynamos and Caps United player George Owusu expects a tough contest, saying both teams have shown improvement compared to the 2025 season.
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"On this one, I think Dynamos could win because of how they are scoring goals. However, it will be difficult because Highlanders will be playing at home and their supporters always give the players morale," said Owusu.
Owusu said the derby lacked its usual excitement last season because of the poor performances by the traditional giants.
"It was not what we know of the Dynamos-Highlanders derby because of their performances last season, but this season their impact in the league has been shown," he said.
The first meeting between the two teams this season ended in a 2-2 draw at Rufaro Stadium. They are now set for their second clash, with Highlanders hosting Dynamos at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday.
Dynamos coach Genesis Mangombe said his players are working hard ahead of the trip to Bulawayo.
"You can see it at training that the guys are doing very well because they want to be selected in the squad travelling to Bulawayo. In this league every team is good, and we need to continue applying ourselves positively as we have done in previous games," said Mangombe.
Despite reports that Highlanders boycotted training on Wednesday, Dynamos captain Shadreck Nyahwa said his team will not be distracted by the situation.
"Those guys are good whether they are training or not. As players, we are not focusing on that because they can still produce a high-level performance," said Nyahwa.
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