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Eddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
CAPS United coach Mark Harrison will rest the bulk of his first team players in their Independence Cup third place play-off against ZPC Kariba at White City in Bulawayo this afternoon.

Harrison yesterday told The Herald that there were going to be substantial changes to his side as they are looking to shrug off the effects of fatigue while at the same time affording their fringe players a chance to play.

Makepekepe have spent most of their time on the road this week after travelling to Triangle and back to Harare before leaving for Zvishavane during mid-week to play FC Platinum in the Uhuru Cup semi-finals.

The Green Machine were scheduled back on the road to Bulawayo late afternoon yesterday and their coach felt it was physically draining on the players and had decided to shuffle his pack.

“We are taking a young team to Bulawayo to give our seniors time to rest. These guys have played two important games inside four days and they travelled a distance of 2 000km during the time.

“So they need to recharge. I also believe it’s a very good opportunity for us as a club to give the young players exposure in competitive games. They all look enthusiastic about it. It’s a chance for them to showcase what they are capable of doing.

“We are going there with a positive mind and in this case results are not very important, it’s all about growing the youngsters for the future,” said Harrison.

The Green Machine lost the semi-finals 5-6 to FC Platinum via a penalty shoot-out at Mandava on Wednesday.

They are looking to avail opportunities to fringe players like Ashward Phiri, Kudzai Nyamufukudza, Charles Mutero, Blessing Nyamuzihwa, Zvikomborero Biseki, Valentine Musarurwa and goalkeeper Criss Mverechena who have played little part since the start of the season. However, senior players such as veteran midfielder Ashley Rambanepasi, George Nyirenda, Ishmael Thindwa and centreback Carlton Munzabwa were expected to travel with the team.

Makepekepe suffered an injury blow to their skipper Hardlife Zvirekwi who joined Leonard Tsipa on the casualty list.

The duo however, is expected to have recovered by the time they play their next game, which is against ZPC Kariba again next week.

Zvirekwi was substituted with 25 minutes remaining in the semi-final tie which ended goalless.

CAPS United were forced to delay their departure because of the financial challenges they are facing.

The team failed to leave as planned early in the morning yesterday and were still holed up in Harare by late afternoon because they did not have money for fuel.

Harrison said he was aware of the challenge that awaits his second string side in Bulawayo.

“We know they (ZPC Kariba) have a very good team which finished second in the league last year.

“They started off well this season, they can pass the ball well and are dangerous going forward.

“So we are looking to stand our ground,” said Harrison.

While CAPS United were still running around organising money for transport, ZPC Kariba were already in Bulawayo and they conducted an afternoon training session in preparation of the game.

Saul Chaminuka’s men were beaten 2-0 in the other semi-final by Dynamos. Former CAPS United defender, Tawanda Munyaduri, who is now on their books said they needed to bounce back to boost their morale following a slow start this season. Munyanduri said the clash against his former paymasters is more of a dress rehearsal for their league clash scheduled for next week.

“Every game is different in its own way, so we prepare accordingly. We have to be positive, we need to work harder.

“We need to win by all means because victory will boost our confidence ahead of our coming league fixtures. Remember we have a game in the coming midweek and then soon afterwards we play CAPS United again.

“So, we need to concentrate because cup games end with one winner.

“We have to work as a team and try to improve on our performance in the semi-final.

“We played well against Dynamos in that game but we just failed to score,” said Munyanduri.