Derbies in football come in many forms, and are invariably driven by the quest for dominance.
The Filabusi derby is no different, with the battle between Jordan and Talen Vision fuelled by domination, passion, and bragging rights.
Clashes between the two sides are always full houses, with tension palpable during the games.
The Pacific Breeze Southern Region Soccer League heads into Week 14 this weekend, and the Filabusi derby at Mthwakazi Grounds on Saturday is the main highlight.
Adding to the excitement is the fact that the match takes place when the two sides are on a purple patch, occupying positions two and three on the log.
After 13 games, Talen Vision has bagged 27 points and are second on the log, while their neighbours Jordan are third with 26 points.
The two teams have both won seven games so far, with Talen Vision having drawn six and are yet to lose, while Jordan has managed five draws and also lost one, leaving them one point behind their rivals.
The rich vein of form for both clubs has been impressive, and this has seen the Filabusi community dreaming of having a football team in the Premiership.
- Pacific Breeze Soccer League launch
- Soccer star’s collapse raises alarm
- Jordan, Talen Vision clash in Filabusi derby
Keep Reading
Talen Vision’s last five games have seen them win three and draw two, a run that has cemented their position as title contenders this season.
Jordan are not far behind, having won three, drawn one and lost one in their last five matches.
The clash at Mthwakazi Grounds presents either side with the opportunity to inch closer to log leaders Hwange, who are on 31 points from the same number of games.
Coached by Mkhuphali Masuku, Talen Vision have managed to dominate opponents and on occasion have recorded big victories, pummeling Khami United 5-0 in one match, while in another game they beat Mosi Rovers 4-1, and in their last match, they beat Blackrock 3-0.
Talen Vision striker Gabriel Rugoho, who clinched last month’s March/April Top Goal Scorer of the Month award, is leading the charge for goals upfront, having hit the back of the net seven times.
Talen Vision are on 23 goals, having conceded only seven, giving them a healthy goal difference of 16.
Jordan, on the other hand, have been grinding out results and have won all their matches by single-goal margins. The Johannes Nhumwa-coached side has scored 15 goals, conceding eight in the process.
Adding to the game’s excitement in Filabusi will be the presence of league sponsors Pacific Breeze, who will provide entertainment before the match as they drum up support for the league.
Pacific Breeze marketing manager Kuda Chiutsi said adding an exciting twist to the league is one of their sponsorship goals, hence bringing a PA system on the day to provide entertainment.
“We are reaching out to the league’s fans throughout the region to show that they matter and that they are the heartbeat of the league, hence our visit to Filabusi.
“We want it to be more than football, and through entertainment and giveaways to fans, we want to add to the excitement,” Chiutsi said, adding that officials from their head office in Harare will also attend the match.
Zifa Southern Region chairman Cris Mtungwazi said they have made it part of their mandate to attend matches throughout the region as a way of giving encouragement and support to the clubs.
“We are delighted to be heading out with our sponsor to Filabusi to show support to the teams and also show fans that they are a big part of the family,” he said.
Meanwhile, SRSL administrator Augustine Ndlovu said the introduction of a predict-and-win competition has revealed the true extent of the league’s followers, with fans based in Mutare and Harare clinching prizes.
“The game between Bosso90 and Zimbabwe Saints saw four fans in Harare and one in Mutare walking away with our weekly prizes, and for us it was a pleasant surprise because all along the thought has been that we are only followed in the Southern Region,” Ndlovu said.
“I’m sure these are not the only fans who follow our league in those areas. We believe the fan engagement through this competition is slowly showing the extent of the league’s reach.”
Meanwhile, ex-Dynamos and CAPS United forward Emmanuel Mandiranga (30) is reportedly trying his luck at Highlanders, with this publication understanding he is currently training with the Bulawayo giants.
Mandiranga is a free agent after his contract with Manica Diamonds expired in December.
