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Eddie Chikamhi Senior Sports Reporter
MIDFIELDER Denver Mukamba has been given three more weeks before he makes his debut for CAPS United.

Mukamba joined Makepekepe from rivals Dynamos just before the start of the season, but did not make the team when the Green Machine opened their account against Harare City at the National Sports Stadium on Sunday.

Coach Lloyd Chitembwe revealed that Mukamba has not yet reached standard fitness levels.

Chitembwe believes the 25-year-old could be the answer to the left side of the midfield which lacked efficiency in the opening match against Harare City at the weekend.

He started with Wisdom Mutasa and pulled him off before the break.

Mutasa’s replacement Tony Fugo was also hauled out midway through the second half for new signing Milton Ncube as Chitembwe tried his best to get his team moving in the goalless draw.

The coach is also hoping for a quick return of diminutive midfielder Ronald Chitiyo from injury.

“We had Phineas (Bamusi) previously who, obviously, gave us so much in terms of the forward thrust, especially on the left side, but is no longer with us.

“At the same time we still have very important players out. We are still waiting for Rooney to come back, I am sure in two weeks’ time he will be back.

“We are still waiting for Denver to also come back. Probably in the next three weeks he will be at a level where I want him to be and I’m sure in terms of the balance, the left side will be very much taken care of if these guys are back.

“I am sure it’s something that we can work on,” said Chitembwe.

Makepekepe played out a goalless draw against Mark Harrison’s men who returned to top-flight football when they were offered the chance to replace disbanded Bulawayo side How Mine.

CAPS United missed some good chances on Sunday with strikers John Zhuwawu and Brian Muzondiwa coming close on several occasions.

Harare City also had their chances.

Chitembwe remained upbeat his side will hit the rights chords as the season progresses.

He said he still has to address fitness issues to get his side to play at their best.

“There is never a team that is 100 percent fit by the first match of the season. If you look at it, it’s not only us, it affects everyone, even the best teams at the top level.

“In terms of match-related fitness they won’t be there, in terms of decision-making in conjunction with the aspects of speed and stuff like that they will be obviously slow.

“What brings about match-related fitness is that the more they play games, they obviously get used to that,” said Chitembwe.