CAPS United star Zvirekwi confident BIG ASSIGNMENT . . . CAPS United assistant coaches, Brenna Msiska (left) and Tostao Kwashi leave the team’s training ground after the Green Machine conducted its first session of the year in Harare yesterday
BIG ASSIGNMENT . . . CAPS United assistant coaches, Brenna Msiska (left) and Tostao Kwashi leave the team’s training ground after the Green Machine conducted its first session of the year in Harare yesterday

BIG ASSIGNMENT . . . CAPS United assistant coaches, Brenna Msiska (left) and Tostao Kwashi leave the team’s training ground after the Green Machine conducted its first session of the year in Harare yesterday

Eddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
CAPS UNITED talisman Hardlife Zvirekwi has declared that the Green Machine will defy the odds and remain competitive this year despite enduring one of their worst off-season breaks.

Zvirekwi yesterday told journalists his side will not be forced to review their targets downwards after losing most of their key personnel who played a part in last year’s strong campaign.

Makepekepe got their pre-season in motion yesterday under the guidance of Brenna Msiska and Fungai “Tostao” Kwashi.

Their new English coach Mark Harrison is expected to join them this week.

The side will be looking to cope with the loss of an entire technical bench and four key players when the season starts on March 7.

Zvirekwi, who is one of the remaining senior players following the departure of former captain Tapiwa Khumbuyani, Tafadzwa Dube, Tendai Samanja and Kelvin Bulaji, yesterday said the club’s fans should not panic.

The Green Machine regrouped yesterday with most of the senior players in attendance.

Among those who reported for duty on the first day are Stephen Makatuka, Leonard Fiyado, Moses Muchenje, goalkeeper Joram Muchambo, Dominic Mukandi and want-away striker Dominic Chungwa.

But defender Ronald Pfumbidzai was the only notable absentee, with officials saying he had asked to be excused.

Makepekepe have signed former Zimbabwe Under-23 centre-back Charles Mutero and are looking to engage more players to beef up their squad.

Mutero, who was recently released by Chicken Inn, looked happy among his new teammates yesterday.

The club’s former players like Leonard Tsipa, goalkeeper Itai Chiwara, Ronald Sengu, Tendai Gwata, and Congolese winger Yves Ebabali also trained with the team yesterday with the hope to impress the coaches.

Former club midfielder Ashley Rambanapasi, who has turned into a football analyst on television, was also there to provide morale support.

Although CAPS United rounded up their trials on Monday, the side still attracted over 100 players on the first day of their preparations, most of them on trials.

Former Harare City defender Witness Nyamutsaka and ex-Gunners midfielder Tapiwa Mangezi were also trying their luck.

“It’s a new year, obviously with new things, new technical team and probably new players. It’s going to be a new year altogether considering where we came from and what we have been going through as a team,” said Zvirekwi.

“I think 2015 promises to be a new year with good things coming.

“When you set goals you try to do better than what you did before. So we are looking to improve from what we did last year.

“(Personally) I think I will be high up there. I have set myself some high targets to achieve so I think I will be doing great things this season.

“It will be a tall order. It’s not going to be easy. Obviously, some of the guys will be looking up to us as the seniors guys left. So ,I think it will not be easy but we have to stand our ground and lead the guys.”

CAPS United finished third in the championship race last year.

But the club has had a fair share of troubles during the off-season.

Besides losing coaches and players, they were also dragged to the Labour Court by some disgruntled players who wanted the club to address their outstanding payments.

The Green Machine, however, will not revise their targets for the new season.

Zvirekwi said they will not allow the loss of players to affect them after their out-of-contract skipper Khumbuyani became the latest to ditch the club by opting to move to How Mine.

Tafadzwa Dube and Tendai Samanja are now at Harare City while Kelvin Bulaji has joined rivals Dynamos.

“Football is always like that. People move from one place to another, from one team to another. All that matters is how you are going to replace and try to make up for those who are going.

“It’s life, sometimes you move and all you need to do is focus on what is at hand,” said Zvirekwi.

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