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Simba Nhivi

Ray Bande in MUTARE
Mutare City Rovers . . . . . . (0) 0

CAPS United. . . . . . . . . . . .(2) 2

CAPS United responded in style to the in-house issues that rocked their camp last week as the Green Machine powered back to the top of the Castle Lager Premiership standings with a polished show at Sakubva yesterday.

The four-time champions attracted headlines, for all the wrong reasons, last week when the players boycotted training sessions for two days in protest over delayed payments of their May salaries and the winning bonus for the away victory over champions Chicken Inn.

But the club’s leadership hit back claiming that their camp had been infliltrated by some people who did not want to see CAPS United writing success stories and promised that the Green Machine would respond in style.

Club captain Moses Muchenje, who apologised to the fans for the industrial action, promised to repay the supporters with a victory here in Mutare.

And Lloyd Chitembwe’s men duly delivered, ending the game as a contest in the first half, and then playing like a professional outfit to manage their lead after the interval and power their way back to the summit of the standings.

It’s the second time that CAPS United have powered to the top of the table this season and, away from home, they continue to be an irresistible force.

“That (the player revolt) was a non-event. It did not affect our rhythm in any way. The result was good for us and I am happy that the boys did quite well, especially in the first half,” said Chitembwe.

“We were organised and the application was just spot on.

“The season is still in its infancy and we cannot talk about our ambitions at the moment. We just want to continue getting as many points as we can.”

Mutare City coach Taku Shariwa conceded they lost to a better team.

“They were just better than us. They were more organised and played better football than us from the first whistle.

“They kept possession much more than us. We also paid dearly for lapses in concentration,” said Shariwa.

The Green Machine were full value of the three points they picked yester- day.

The visitors capitalised on their ability to keep possession after slippery winger Phineas Bhamusi’s cross was tapped home by Simba Nhivi to push CAPS ahead after 10 minutes.

The hosts has a chance to restore parity in the 20th minute but striker Stephen “Dealer” Sibanda failed to do justice to a rebound from close range as he hammered his effort over the crossbar.

Defender Emmanuel Sinaputa’s header, off a corner kick, was cleared on the line by Hardlife Zvirekwi in the 25th minute.

CAPS United then doubled the lead five minutes before the break when Brian Abbas Amidu, who has been one of the stars at the Green Machine this season, slammed the ball home after a goalmouth melee.

Zvirekwi could have scored the goal of the match in the 75th minute when he unleased a blistering 30-metre drive but his powerful effort somehow just flew over.

It could have been a spectacular goal, a fitting way to end an afternoon when CAPS United came to this town and left a big impression with many feeling they have the character to have a big shout in this championship race.

The Green Machine are searching for their first league title in 11 years.

Teams

Mutare City: M. Makuyana; M. Sako; A. Nyakabawo; W. Mapfumo; E. Sinaputa; B. Mukwena; D. Duri (W. Sithole, 55th min); S, Msimbu; R, Madamombe (E, Chimhaka, 57th min); H, Makukutu (K, Gurure, 70th min); S Sibanda:

CAPS United: J, Muchambo; H, Zvirekwi; R, Pfumbidzai; C, Munzabwa; S, Makatuka; K, Nyamupfukudza; J, Ngodzo; B, Amidu (C, Machisi, 57th min); P. Bhamusi; S. Nhivi; L. Tsipa (C. Kamhapa. 80th min):