It’s Sparrows FC vs Honey Badgers FC – “Dete Derby” commonly known as Mtuya derby
BY NDODANA MASUKU
19 June 2026 , Dete , Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League host one of the fierce battle between Highlanders FC and Dynamos FC at Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo. This match brings the whole country into a standstill. The script is the same in the small tourism town adjacent to the biggest National park in the land in Dete . The biggest game in that small resort town coincidentally takes place same weekend with the battle of Zimbabwe as the PSL fixture is commonly known. Forget about the world cup currently playing in three countries USA , Mexico and Canada. All the focus will be on the ‘mtuya derby’. It’s like a design for both fixtures, these two set of fixtures command a huge following , these fixtures doesn’t follow form book and finally these fixtures feature the fading giants as both set of teams are struggling in their respective leagues.
The Rhino Cup Champions League serves up the hottest ticket in Dete this weekend: Sparrows FC vs Honey Badgers FC. It’s more than 3 points. It’s bragging rights for the next 12 months. Form & Stakes Sparrows FC – The “Flying Birds” come in with wings clipped but eyes sharp. Known for quick, attacking football down the flanks. They’ll be looking to take control early and silence the Badgers’ den. Players to watch are Prince Sibanda and Nkululeko Ndlovu “Nkusto” Honey Badgers FC– “The Toughest Animal in Football”. They don’t play pretty, they play tough. Compact defense, brutal counter-attacks, and zero fear. At home in Dete, the Badgers are a different beast. Players to watch are the ever dependable captain Nkosilomusa “Zuma” Mpala, who has to pass a late fitness test, and Meluleki ” kante” Dube.
This is a classic clash of styles: flair vs fight. Speed vs grit.
The Rivalry Sparrows and Badgers split Dete right down the middle. Families, streets, and workplaces go quiet for 90 minutes every time these two meet. Last derby ended in drama with a late winner for Badgers and both benches in the referee’s ear. Expect tackles to fly in early and no loose ball to go uncontested.
Key Battles
Sparrows’ wingers vs Badgers’ fullbacks– If the Birds get space out wide, the Badgers’ defense will be stretched.
Midfield war – Honey Badgers thrive on breaking play and turning it into quick transitions. Sparrows need to keep it and dictate tempo.
Set pieces – In a derby like this tight, one corner or free-kick could decide it. Both teams have aerial threats, but Badgers are more dangerous on set pieces. Nkosilomusa “Zuma” Mpala has a lethal left foot that have decided these derbies for the umpteenth time.
Prediction
Derbies ignore the form book. Rhino Cup Champions League pressure makes it even spicier. Expect goals, cards, and noise from the first whistle to the last.
For Sparrows FC It’s now or never to get their first win ever. On paper Sparrows “Asipheli moya” looks stronger than Honey badgers “Bhule” ,but Mantswane always rise from the dead in these fixtures. Let’s wait and see .
Fan Note:
Get to the ground early. Dete Derby seats disappear fast, and the atmosphere is worth the wait.
Who are you backing – the Birds or the Badgers?
Giving poaching a red card ♦️
