Champs CAPS roar again

Caps UnitedGrace Chingoma Senior Sports Reporter
CAPS United . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1)2
Black Rhinos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0)1

THERE is a feeling among some CAPS United players, and fans, that the Green Machine can stage one of the greatest comebacks in the history of the Castle Lager Premiership by defending their title this season.

While they still have a huge mountain to climb, it’s difficult to argue against them right now. Yesterday they powered to another win — their third straight win in a week — with the usual suspects Dominic Chungwa, who has suddenly transformed himself into a free-scoring forward, and the influential Ronald Pfumbidzai the main catalysts of the victory.

Pfumbidzai wasn’t supposed to be part of the script, after it was announced his last match would be the one he played on Sunday, as he prepares to leave for the South African Premiership.

But it appears the more the move is delayed, the better for the Green Machine after his cultured left foot was once again used to hand a hapless Black Rhinos their first defeat on the trot.

Chungwa, what has surely happened to him, one can be tempted to ask?

From a man weighed down by lack of confidence and a radar that never used to function to become this sharp-shooting monster, who is now scoring big goals driving his team forward.

Yesterday, the stocky forward duly delivered the winner, after scoring twice on Sunday and being on target last Wednesday in what has been a purple patch.

He is now second in the race for the Golden Boot, which is being led by former Bantu Rovers forward Bukhosi Sibanda, who had scored 10 goals before he joined South Africa Division One side Ubuntu Cape Town, with eight goals.

But with the way Chunga has been on fire, scoring five goals in the last four games, it’s now only a matter of time before he takes the leadership of this race. Ngezi Platinum’s Terrence Dzvukamanja also has eight goals and is in second place.

Yesterday, Chungwa scored a beauty in the 81st minute when he picked up his spot, took his time and packed a shot into the nets after he was fed by Pfumbidzai, who was officially playing his final game and was given a standing ovation by the fans. The Bloemfontein Celtics newboy was also behind the Green Machine’s first goal in the first half when the ball he swung from a corner was turned into the nets by veteran Rhinos defender Brighton Chandisaita.

Chauya Chipembere equalised late in the second half through Vincent Mhandu, who finished off the ball after fellow forward Lot Chiwunga had weaved his way past CAPS United defence. The champions ended with 10 men after defender Justice Jangano was sent off towards the end.

The decision didn’t amuse the CAPS players, coaching staff and fans, who felt the referee’s handling had been dubious all afternoon and working against their cause. The match officials had to use a different exit to leave the pitch as missiles rained from the stands, with frustrated CAPS United fans throwing canes and plastic bottles towards them.

CAPS United assistant coach Fungai “Tostao” Kwashi said Chungwa was always a natural goal-scorer. “We are happy for Chungwa and we hope that this will continue, but if you notice the statistics in the past years, he was the top goal scorer in 2014 and 2013, I think goals have always been inside him, but we are happy that he is scoring more goals now,’’ said Kwashi.

“And we just urge him to remain level-headed and keep working for the team because some times things might not work the way he likes. In the first half he didn’t get any chance, but second half that one chance he got, he scored.’’

Rhinos coach Stanford “Stix’’ M’tizwa blamed his defence. “We lost it again today, we scored but unfortunately the defence allowed two goals which were scored by CAPS.

“I think we did everything, at least in second half it was a changed side and kept on putting pressure and we were rewarded with a goal. “We are still worried that the losses keep stretching, we wanted to put a stop to that today, unfortunately we lost again and will go back to the drawing board.’’

Teams

CAPS United: E. Sibanda, V. Musarurwa, H. Zvirekwi, C. Munzabwa, J. Jangano, D. Chafa, M. Muchenje (J. Ngodzo 53rd minute), P. Bamusi (T. Rusike 66th min), R. Pfumbidzai, J. Zhuwawo, D. Chungwa (G. Goriyati 90th min)

Black Rhinos: S. Chimusoro, J. Mukombwe, W. Chakanyuka, B. Homora, B. Chandisaita, S. Linyama, D. Mudadi (M. Chigora 87th min), C. Chitsamba (R. Mwenga 61st min), V. Mhandu, L. Saramaya (B. Marere 57th min), L. Chiwunga.

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