Eddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
CAPS United manager, Sean Connor, is banking on the possible return to fitness of midfielder Marvel Samaneka as they go out in search of a victory at Rufaro tomorrow they believe could transform their season. The Green Machine have a date against Monomotapa.
Connor yesterday said CAPS United, who lost to Gunners on Sunday, needed to start collecting points but is concerned with their strikeforce, which has not been up to the task.
The Northern Irishman is also worried the attacking options keep dwindling as it emerged that striker Clive Kawinga could be out for at least two weeks after picking a hamstring injury in their last game at Gunners.
Although chief striker Evans Gwekwerere is now back in the starting team, Connor said he has had to work with limited resources, as their other striker Darryl Nyandoro is not available for now.
Connor revealed at yesterday’s press conference that attacking midfielder Samaneka, who has not been able to start this year due to a recurring knee injury, could be the man to turn to.
Another midfielder David Rediyoni has also recovered from injury but Tendai Samanja might remain on the sidelines for at least another two weeks.
“Kawinga is definitely out this week. He suffered a lower hamstring injury and in such cases that would normally take at least two to six weeks.
“Hopefully, Samaneka will be fit to play at the weekend. He has been working very hard in training and is fighting for his place. His chances of playing remain high.
“I also know that the chief executive has been working hard to get Darryl Nyandoro cleared first and with a bit of luck he might be available any time soon.
“Last week we had limited options on the bench. We only had Rahman Kutsanzira and the rest were either defenders or defensive midfielders.
“But I am happy Samaneka is back,” said Connor.
CAPS are still looking for their first win on the field this season after getting off to a poor start.
They have played four games and lost two while the other half ended in draws.
Connor said he wants to build a strong team spirit to help them get the results they desire.
Already Connor has come under fire from some sections of the supporters who feel let down but has received the backing from the club’s leadership.
Other fans also believe Connor need to be given tome.
Connor said he has a different philosophy that he wants to sell to CAPS United and has asked for patience in his project.
“People can say Zimbabwean players cannot do this and that but to me that is nonsense.
“Football is football whether you are Zimbabwean or not.
“The problem is if people are continuously told that they cannot do certain things they tend to believe that at the end.
“That is part of the things I am working on in trying to change the mindset. I am telling the players that you can do it.
“It’s an interesting project because I have got certain ideas and principles that I am trying to implement but there is a tradition of doing things here that makes it difficult. I have to get the two together so that it works.
“I think that is the reason why we haven’t been consistent but if there is anyone who was at the match on Sunday he will tell you that CAPS United passed the ball, that CAPS United attacked and created a lot of chances.
“It’s unfortunate we were caught on the counter attack and we lost the match.
“After the match I spoke to the players about the positive things they have seen. I also spoke to the owners of the club, two very mature and sensible men, and they told me where they needed me to take the club.
“They were very sensible enough and they realised that what we want cannot be achieved overnight,” he said.
Elsewhere, at Mandava, national team interim coach Rahman Gumbo will be back on the spotlight again tomorrow when he leads ambitious FC Platinum in a tricky tie against Motor Action.
Gumbo has been in the eye of the storm of late after going through a bad spell of results.
FC Platinum are coming from a disappointing 3-1 defeat at the hands of Highlanders.
The defeat was preceded by a run of three draws in succession.
But the under-fire coach got breathing space after getting assurances from his employers that his job is safe, at least for now.
Harare giants Dynamos also have a difficult task on their hands against bogey side Hwange at Rufaro on Sunday.
DeMbare, who beat Buffaloes 2-0 yesterday, are still trying to restore their pride following the huge 6-0 defeat to Esperance in Tunisia last week.
Fixtures
Tomorrow
Monomotapa v Caps United (Rufaro Stadium), F.C Platinum v Motor Action (Mandava), Black Mambas v Highlanders (Morris Depot), Quelaton v Gunners (Luveve)
Sunday
Dynamos v Hwange (Rufaro), Buffaloes v Shabanie Mine (Sakubva), Hardbody v Chicken Inn (Ascot), Blue Rangers v Harare City (Gwanzura).