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Eddie Chikamhi Senior Sports Reporter
CAPS United coach Lloyd Chitembwe will be forced to reorganise his defence tomorrow after one of his key players Steven Makatuka was ruled out of the clash against traditional rivals Highlanders at the National Sports Stadium.

Makatuka is one of the six players that have been suspended by the league this week after accruing three yellow cards in previous assignments.

Highlanders have also not been spared by the sanctions, with one of their bright prospects Denzel Khumalo not available for selection on the same disciplinary grounds.

The other players suspended this week include Kudzanayi Dhemere (Dynamos), Tafadzwa Jaravani (Black Rhinos), Takunda Jeffrey (Mutare City), and Brian Chikwenya (Yadah).

Makepekepe are keen to spring back to winning ways after dropping points in their last two games against bogey side Shabanie and championship-chasing Ngezi Platinum.

Chitembwe needs a strong response from his players after suffering a disappointing 2-1 defeat at Ngezi on Wednesday. On reflection, the Harare giants are going through one of their most difficult periods this season, having won only three of their last 10 games.

The poor run has dealt a big blow to their aspirations for a top four finish.

The Green Machine, who have been blowing hot and cold this year, are currently in fifth place with 43 points.

But they are five points away from the fourth-placed Triangle, albeit with a game in hand. But with Makatuka, who has been commanding a regular place in central defence out, the CAPS United technical team will need to look at other options available to them, which include Carlton Munzabwa and Godwin Goriyati, to partner veteran Method Mwanjali. But it will be interesting to see how the battle will turn out this time around as youth and experience clash for the second time following a goalless draw in the first leg at Barbourfields earlier this year.

Highlanders coach Madinda Ndlovu and his ECD project have met with relative success. Bosso are coming from a 2-1 win over Yadah during the midweek, which lifted them into sixth place, just below CAPS United on the log standings. Only a point separates the teams. But with about four of their players out of this match through suspension and injuries, the club’s technical manager Madinda Ndlovu feels a bit handicapped.

Tafadzwa Sibanda, who sustained a deep cut on his forehead in the match against Yadah, is not available while captain Honest Moyo and Tinashe Makanda are also still to recover from their knocks.

Bosso, however, will be looking for inspiration from their leading goalscorers Newman Sianchali and Gabriel Nyoni who have each bagged five this season.

Another potentially exciting match is at Barbourfields this afternoon where Ngezi Platinum Stars will be seeking to maintain the pressure on FC Platinum in the championship race.

Fixtures

Today: Black Rhinos v  Triangle United (NSS), Harare City v Chicken Inn (Rufaro), FC Platinum v Dynamos (Mandava), Bulawayo City v  Ngezi Platinum Stars (Barbourfields)

Tomorrow: CAPS United v Highlanders (NSS), Chapungu v Shabanie Mine (Ascot), Herentals v  Mutare City Rovers (Rufaro), Bulawayo Chiefs v Nichrut (Luveve)

Monday: Yadah v ZPC Kariba (Rufaro)