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The development means that the soccer fans will have to wait longer to witness the first part of the Battle of Zimbabwe giants which had initially been scheduled for Week Five and could not take place on the weekend of 28-29 April because Dynamos were involved in a Caf Champions League clash with Esperance in Tunisia.

The Harare giants were beaten 6-0 in Tunis and a fortnight later, they drew 1-1 at Rufaro, bowing out of the continent’s lucrative tournament on a 7-1 aggregate loss.

After the release of the mid-week fixtures last week, clubs in the league signed a petition protesting against the decision to fixture the Bosso and DeMbare’s outstanding game on a weekend.

The Castle Lager Premier Soccer League board member competitions Tawengwa Hara yesterday said they had decided to put the Highlanders-Dynamos game on ice.

“The clubs raised their concern regarding the issue of the match being played on a weekend and as such we decided to postpone the game until they (governors) advise us accordingly. However, all outstanding games will be played before the start of the second half,” Hara said.

Last month, the tie was called off after Highlanders advised PSL that they had logistical challenges. Bosso said police needed time to mobilise security to deal with the big turnout and their cashiers were bank employees which will make it difficult for them to be available for the big game.

With Highlanders rejuvenated, the Battle of the Titans is likely to attract a big crowd with other spectators expected to come from outside Bulawayo.

The other  reason that led to last month’s cancellation was that Dynamos had four players, that is Takesure Chinyama, Roderick Mutuma, Denver Mukamba and Patson Jaure with the national team as Zimbabwe was preparing for their must-win 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Burundi.

Highlanders’ chairman Peter Dube yesterday said the game against Dynamos was the biggest encounter in the league and they had to make sure that everything was in place.

“To be honest, this is a big game and gates have to be opened early and the police should prepare adequately.  I saw the circular but in South Africa you will never see the Soweto giants Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs play each other on a midweek. They are aware that those are big clubs and everyone will want to watch that game and that is why their league finds a date that is convenient to the fans who are the owners of the game.

“To us, such a match against Dynamos is a crowd puller and if they say we play the game anytime it’s okay. We will be reasonable enough to get assurance from police because we don’t want unnecessary incidents,” Dube said.

The league will also be eyeing to maximise on their share during that game. Those funds are the ones that are used to fund the league’s operations.

Dynamos’ boss Kenny Mubaiwa shared Dube’s sentiments and said they would fulfil the fixture.
“If the league says we must play we will do so. Right now we are have a game against Caps United coming up and we will appeal to the league but if they decide otherwise it’s okay,” said Mubaiwa.

Last season both teams drew nil all at Barbourfields and Dynamos won the reverse fixture 3-1 in        Harare.
Bosso last beat Dynamos in July 2006, winning 1-0 in a league game and that was the year Highlanders won the championship.

In 2007, Highlanders lost 2-1 while the other league tie ended in a 0-0 draw. The following season they drew both league games 1-1.

In 2009, Dynamos won 4-0 and 1-0 over the two league encounters.

Dynamos’ dominance over Bosso continued in 2010 winning 1-0 at Rufaro before the ill-tempered reverse fixture that ended prematurely when Bosso were on the receiving end.

Fixtures
All games at 3pm
Tomorrow: Quelaton FC v Dynamos FC (Luveve Stadium); Gunners FC v Highlanders FC (Larfarge Stadium); CAPS United FC v Black Mambas FC (National Sports Stadium); Blue Rangers FC v Buffaloes FC (Gwanzura Stadium); FC Platinum v Hardbody FC (Mandava Stadium).
Thursday: Motor Action FC v Shabanie Mine FC (Motor Action Sports Club); Chicken Inn FC v Monomotapa FC (Luveve Stadium Stadium); Harare City FC v Hwange FC (Rufaro Stadium).