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Eddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
EQUATORIAL Guinea striker Tony Fugo will not take part in CAPS United’s pre-season tour of Mozambique after injury ruled him out of the Green Machine preparations for the 2016 term.

Makepekepe are set to leave for the neighbouring country today with a squad of 26 players.

The Green Machine are expected to feature in a four-team tournament this weekend in Beira before heading to Chimoio for a training camp during their 10-day outing.

Team manager Shakespeare Chinogwenya said they are looking to carry the bulk of their players for the training camp but Fugo will be a missing link because of a knee injury.

“All the players are in good condition and they are ready for the tour. Unfortunately, Fugo is injured and cannot make it.

“He returned home from Equatorial Guinea with an injury and we decided to leave him so that he can receive treatment on his knee.

“Simba Nhivi also had a minor cut on the head but we are going with him. He should be fine.

“Otherwise, we are looking forward to a good outing. This tour will surely help us in terms of bonding because if you look at our squad we have a number of new players coming in to join us this year.

“By staying together and playing together in a different environment, I am sure it will help improve relations and the understanding amongst us,” said Chinogwenya.

CAPS United will battle against Ferroviaro Beira, Textafrica and league champions Ferroviaro Maputo in the four-team tournament that begins tomorrow in Beira.

Makepekepe want to challenge for the league championship this year.

They have signed some experienced players who include Abbas Amidu, Tafadzwa Rusike, Allen Gahadzikwa, Archford Gutu, Dennis Dauda, Devon Chafa, Ronald Pfumbidzai, Edmore Sibanda and Cabby Kamhapa.

Makepekepe have also lined up a trip to South Africa but it is still to be confirmed.

Meanwhile, CAPS United’s bitter city rivals Dynamos yesterday indicated they have stepped up their preparations for the new season and have now finalised the itinerary for their upcoming tour of Malawi and Tanzania.

Secretary-general Webster Chikengezha said the Glamour Boys will leave for Malawi on March 4 and then play two games against Big Bullets and Mighty Wanderers the next two days.

They will then leave for Tanzania where they have a practice match against Young Africans and probably Simba Sports Club and return on March 14, three weeks before the start of the season.

Chikengezha yesterday said they are stepping up their pre-season preparations and have lined up a double header of practice matches against former Premiership sides ZRP Football Club and Whawha at Rufaro this weekend.

“We are taking our preparations a gear up and this weekend we are looking to have two teams on show because we want, at least, everyone to get a chance to play.

“It’s understandable the coaches want to see all their players in game situation and we believe on Sunday they will have the luxury to play all players who are fit.

“We are also expecting our two foreign players on Saturday and if they are not tired they might be given a run on Sunday, just to give them the feel of the game,” said Chikengezha.

The Dynamos secretary-general said supporters will pay $1 for the rest of the ground while the Upper Grand Stand and VIP tickets will cost $3 and $5. DeMbare are keen to bolster their attack which has Richard Kawondera, Kenneth Bulaji, Farai Mupasiri, Rodreck Mutuma and Chinyama.