In a season full of surprises, Dynamos coach Kelvin Kaindu has a dream: to see supporters of the country's two biggest football institutions, Highlanders and Dynamos, sitting side by side.
The 2025 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season has provided fans with the unthinkable.
After newly-promoted side MWOS led throughout the first half of the season, another newcomer, Scotland FC, is now poised to clinch the title which is a historic feat in its own right.
Meanwhile, three of the country's biggest teams are battling relegation.
This context made it all the more remarkable on Sunday when players from both Dynamos and Highlanders were seen mixing and mingling on the field of play after their latest clash, the biggest rivalry in domestic football, which ended in a 1-1 stalemate.
Fans thronged Barbourfields Stadium in droves, and the atmosphere was electric.
The encounter was fairly exciting, although the finishing from both sides left much to be desired.
For Kaindu, the peaceful aftermath signalled that it was the right time for fans to bury the hatchet.
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"For me to cross from Highlanders to Dynamos, I think these are things that show that slowly, we should let that rivalry begin to fade," said Kaindu. "We want to see an atmosphere where, at the end of the day, both supporters are happy.
“Like what happened today, there was no violence despite what happened on the field.
“Everyone is happy; we go home celebrating despite the result. This is what we need to see in the future."
The former Bosso tearaway winger said it was possible for Bosso and DeMbare fans to sit side by side during matches.
“We want to see a future where Dynamos and Highlanders supporters could probably sit together to celebrate and support their teams,” he said.
“These are big brands, clubs that attract multitudes of people.
“Even in Africa, there are few games that can attract a crowd like this.
“So, we need to open up, even though we are rivals.”
The Zambian gaffer could be the man to unite both teams, as seen after the game when players from both sides shared lighter moments and took their time before leaving the pitch.
Bosso players went to their former mentor for warm handshakes in a true spirit of sportsmanship.
However, for Kaindu, the match was emotionally charged and difficult, having crossed the great divide to join Dynamos.
Kaindu said he was encouraged by the Bosso fans who still have a soft spot for him.
"To be honest, it puts me in a very, very difficult position,” he said.
“Even coming here to Barbourfields, there are a number of people that I know who are black and white throughout their life.
“But there are some who have a soft spot for me, who are happy for me and say, 'If you win, we will be happy for you because you are still part of Highlanders, you are part of the system.'
“But football being football and work being work, I came here.”
On the league front, Dynamos and Highlanders are not out of the woods yet.
With three matches remaining, both are still in the relegation picture. Bosso sit in 10th position with 36 points, two above Dynamos, who have 34.
DeMbare occupy the final relegation spot and will need to win all their remaining matches to survive, while for Bosso, two victories might suffice.
The two teams are set to clash again this Sunday at Rufaro Stadium in the Chibuku Super Cup semi-final.
