By McGeorge Mbare
BEITBRIDGE town will at the weekend be witness the “mini Battele of The Lmpopo River” when developmental sides Vhembe Stars Academy and Dulibadzimu United FC under 19 sides lock horns in another moutwatering derby on July 4 this weekend.
This will be match day 2 of the Matabeleland South Division 2, Pool B scheduled to kick off on Sunday Sunday at Dulibadzimu Stadium.
This mini battle of the Limpopo River comes just three weeks after the senior Central Region Divisiom One sides of Dulibadzimu Utd FC and Vhembe Stars Academy FC drew in a controversial match which had all the ingredients of brother fighting brother.
Now sworn rivals, with administrative spanners getting into the mix, the development side battle is likely to capture the imagination of football lovers across town before its kick off.
Following Vhembe Stars U19’s 2-0 victory away to Nottingham, they look to maintain their impressive start to the season.
On the othet side Dulis hope to redeem themselves in front of their loyal fans after a 1-1 draw against West Nicholson on Match Day 1.
Derby matches possess a unique kind of magic.
They are not usually decided by league positions, but thrive on coaches’ tactical brilliance. This is a clash rooted in local supremacy and the ideal of proving which development team is stronger.
Compared to last season, when they lost their first match of the campaign against Jessie Mine, Vhembe Stars Academy U19 have already begun their 2026 season on a strong note by winning their ZIFA Matabeleland South opening match.
Duliz, who this week in a long press release spewed out vernom against Vhembe Stars instead of Ziyah Media reporters who complained about being harrased at their matches, are expected to display their soccer on the pitch and not on paper.
Obviously the one with a bigger following, Dulis hope to cash on their supporters to become the stronger 12th player and carry the day.
The senior’s clash witnessed y one of thr biggest cowds eved seen in the stadium set a huge precedent of how soccer days can become family outings.
“We hope soccer wins at the end of the day and sportsmanship comes on parade,” said Wiliam Moyo of Dulibadzimu United.