“Sadiki, Sadiki, Sadiki,” shouted thousands of fans seated at Mpilo End and sections of the VIP at Babourfields Stadium as the Battle of Zimbabwe drew to a close.
By Bhora Afrika
The top billing clash between Highlanders and Dynamos played out on Africa Day pulled a 13,700 strong crowd, one of the highest this term.
Issa Sadiki, the short Winger carrying legend Lionel Messi’s newly found number 30, gave a good account of himself against a worthy opponent.
Slick passes, deft touches, killer dribbles including legovers that troubled steadfast Andrew Mbeba and Archford Faira were enough to endear him with the thousands.
That his name became an anthem after 90 minutes was not surprising at all.
The last time Sadiki played like that then Caps United Right Back Valentine Musarurwa was left sprawling on the pitch, tired and broken as Dynamos romped to a 3-0 win.
The result was not to be at BF however; Defender Peter Muduhwa made sure of that. He had an equally good outing and not having none of it.
By the time Dynamos players came out to appreciate their legion of fans, hundreds were desperate for Sadiki’s handshake.
“I had never seen that happen, I never thought at any point I would hear BF shouting out the name of a Dynamos player,” said
“That game was one of the best I have had.”
It was him they wanted to meet; him and Denver Mukamba as has become the norm. Many scrambled for just a touch, a number almost grabbed his shirt, some female fans wanted him for their own; to take home.
All eyes were on Dynamos Coach Herbert and his opposite number Baltemar Brito. Fans wanted to see how the two would play, defensive being the most expected.
They however went all out, each was looking for a ‘weight-lifting’ win to appease their legion of disgruntled fans.
“I’m sure fans really enjoyed some good football displays from both teams,” said Maruwa after the match.
Although Maruwa’s side knocked three past ZPC Kariba the weekend before suspension of all PSL matches he is still under pressure.
He knows the Seven Million expect more, including an outright win when Black Rhinos host them at Bata Stadium on resumption of the league.
After a sabbatical to rehabilitate stadia and ensure no one pitch is abused, the Castle Lager PSL makes a return this weekend with no matches in Harare for the first time since Independence in 1980.
Sadiki is expected to front DeMbare’s attempt at dethroning FC Platinum after failing in the past four seasons.
An FC Platinum triumph will break the Dynamos record of four straight league titles in 1980, 1981, 1982 and 1983 before repeating the feat between 2011 and 2014.