Bulawayo empties out for one fixture a year, and this weekend's Highlanders–Dynamos derby at Barbourfields is shaping up to be the most closely contested in recent memory, with both sides arriving on near-identical league form.

Highlanders come into the match unbeaten in five, anchored by a defence that has conceded just twice this season. Dynamos, meanwhile, have leaned on a reshaped attack after a January transfer window that brought in two forwards from the Zambian league.

"It's never just three points," said one Bosso season-ticket holder queuing outside the ground on Thursday. "You lose this one and you hear about it until next year."

Kick-off is set for 3pm, with the match also being streamed for the first time to diaspora audiences in the UK and South Africa via the league's new broadcast partner.