Chafa keen on Lioli match Devon Chafa
Devon Chafa

Devon Chafa

Eddie Chikamhi Senior Sports Reporter
MIDFIELDER Devon Chafa says CAPS United should forget about their potential clash with giants TP Mazembe and shift all the attention to the immediate task as they look to make a perfect start in the Champions League campaign. Makepekepe return to the big stage after 11 years and were drawn against Lioli of Lesotho in the preliminary round.

Many analysts have tipped the Harare giants to easily overrun their opponents and progress to the first round where the perennial campaigners from Central Africa lay in ambush. “We did not have that much of a rest. Maybe, it was only two weeks that we rested so I think we are not that down in terms of fitness.

“As a team we are working hard because we know the challenges ahead,” said Chafa.

“It’s surprising people are talking about the TP Mazembe game but we have to put things in the right order.

“We have to clear the first hurdle first. The fact that Lioli are the champions in their country means that they are a good team which has to be taken seriously.

“Look at the AFCON tournament, some of the countries that have been labelled minnows are pulling surprises.

“They may do the same on us but we remain hopeful that we will beat them.

“In fact, when the draw was done, personally I never rushed to think about playing TP Mazembe.

“What has been in our minds as player has been Lioli, that’s the first team we have to play and win so that we play TP Mazembe. So the talk is about Lioli for now.”

After experiencing a remarkable turnaround of his career with CAPS United last year, Chafa has fixed his eyes on taking his game to another level.

Chafa bagged his fifth league title last season with Makepekepe after he had won four other championship medals with rivals Dynamos.

“The team comes first, then individual accolades later.

“If we put in 100 percent last year, then it would require us to up that to 150 percent this season because all the teams will be coming at us. Retaining the league is the primary objective and we will do everything to achieve our target.

“I believe we are continuing from where we left off. Normally, teams lose players during the off-season but that has not been the case. We are still intact, almost all the players that won the championship last season are still here and it’s very encouraging,” said Chafa.

CAPS United coach Lloyd Chitembwe is also excited by his squad and the three additions they have made after roping in skillful midfielder Ronald Chitiyo, defender Last Sithole and goalkeeper Prosper Chigumba.

Whilst their opponents Lioli are in the middle of their league programme, Makepekepe are coming from the off season.

Lioli are doing well and are sitting in second place, one-point behind log leaders Bantu, in the first round of the 14-team league.

Chitembwe said fitness will be key.

Makepekepe are looking to intensify their preparations in the coming days. CAPS United take their preparations a gear up with their first friendly match of the season against Mozambican champions Ferroviario da Beira tomorrow at the National Sports Stadium.

The game will be open to the supporters with the cheapest ticket going for $2.

“The main reason we are having this game is probably to condition the players, just to bring them into the right state of condition in terms of physiological components – speed, strength, endurance,” said Chitembwe.

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