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Ellina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
VETERAN forward Leonard Tsipa is set to miss CAPS United’s clash with Hwange at Rufaro this Sunday after picking up a groin injury.

Makepekepe coach Lloyd Chitembwe revealed yesterday that Tsipa, who scored CAPS United’s second goal in last week’s 2-1 win over Bulawayo City at the National Sports Stadium, needs time to recover.

The Green Machine will also be missing the services of defender Ronald Pfumbidzai and midfielder Kudzanayi Nyamupfukudza, who are suspended after accumulating three yellow cards.

Another midfielder, Abbas Amidu, who has been one of their best players this season, will be away on trials in Germany.

Despite having four players out of Sunday’s tie, Chitembwe was confident his charges will have another fruitful outing as they seek to maintain their unbeaten home record.

Speaking at their weekly press conference, Chitembwe, who was flanked by his assistant Mark Mathe and club spokesperson Alois Bunjira, said they remained focused.

“We have made it clear to them that they are very important players within the system. But I feel the team is more important than the individuals because they play within the team,” said Chitembwe.

“So, at the end of the day, whoever is given an opportunity to play, I am sure he will be ready to take up the responsibility.

“We have quite a number of players who will obviously miss out this particular game. Leonard is also out.

“Abbas is also out. We gave him the opportunity to try and sort out his future. He is going out for trials in Germany, so we did excuse him. I think it’s also good for those that are there to also come and show cause why they are part of the team.”

CAPS United will unleash Devon Chafa who is set to make his debut appearance with the team.

“I think it’s also good for him. Devon is back with the team and we just can’t wait also to see him play,” said Chitembwe.

“It has been a while since he has been out, so we are eager to see how he performs if he gets the chance to play on Sunday.”

On the move to Rufaro from their home ground, the National Sports Stadium, Chitembwe said although the Mbare venue may not be in the best condition, their giant stadium was no longer a good home for them of late.

“Most of these players complain about the playing surface (at Rufaro), it’s too hard and it’s not good for players, especially players that are already carrying injuries,” said Chitembwe.

“But the positive about playing at Rufaro is obviously the surface is smooth. Of late conditions at the National Sports Stadium have not been so good.” On Wednesday, the club’s chief executive officer, Cuthbert Chitima, said they were not switching to Rufaro permanently.

And Bunjira yesterday also reiterated the same sentiments but added that it will also depend on the outcome of Sunday’s game.

“I think Lloyd also touched on some of the reasons why we moved to Rufaro Stadium. The other reasons, there has been calls from our fans that the National Stadium is a bit far and they could come in better numbers if the game is at Rufaro Stadium,” said Bunjira.

“And I think it’s something that we want to have a go and see if it really works in our favour.

“If we really see there is a difference between attendances at Rufaro Stadium and National Sports Stadium then we take it from there. So this move is not permanent.

“Like the coaches alluded to, we just want to see how it goes.

“If all goes well and all the factors involved come together, it has to be that the advantages have to outweigh the disadvantages in any situation.”

CAPS united will be hoping for another victory to remain among the leading pack in the championship race in a weekend when they have a chance of going back to the top of the table.

But Hwange have been one of their bogey sides of late. Chitembwe led CAPS to victory at the Colliery last season.

Fixtures

Today: How Mine v Ngezi Platinum Stars (Luveve).

Tomorrow: ZPC Kariba v Chapungu (Nyamhunga), Bulawayo City v Dynamos (Barbourfields).

Sunday: Chicken Inn v Highlanders (Barbourfields), Border Strikers v Harare City (Dulivhadzimu), Triangle United v Tsholostho (Gibbo), Mutare City Rovers v FC Platinum (Sakubva), CAPS United v Hwange (Rufaro).