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Kumbuyani, Con­nor who joined the club last month said he is looking forward to the best from his charges in his first season in Zimbabwe.

The Irish mentor reckoned that the Green Machine is now geared for the new season that is expected to start at the end of the month.
CAPS, who have been doing serious groundwork since January, have already finalised their squad for the season that will be submitted to the Premier Soccer League this week.

“I think we have a very competitive squad and we aim to improve in terms of profes­sionalism and our attitude. We have six new players coming in and we hope they will gel with the old ones. As I said it’s an ongoing process and we intend to get better and bet­ter.

“Right now we are not making any prom­ises or setting many targets, but we would want to assure the fans that we want to be as competitive as possible and we aim to improve week in week out,” said Connor.

The Green Machine will be seeking to reclaim their status as one of the big teams in the league and the technical team has emphasised the need to uphold high standards of professionalism.

To start with, Connor said they would want to emulate the European style by hold­ing a Press conference every week where the media will have access to the coaches and at least one player for a briefing on devel­opments in their camp.
Connor said they have had good prepara­tion to date and acknowledged the work that Chitembwe and his technical team did before he joined them.

CAPS have so far played a number of friendly games, among them interna­tional practice matches against South Africa giants Mamelodi Sundowns and that coun­try’s Confederation Cup representatives Black Leopards.
“The pre-season started before I got here, before I got my work permit and was con­ducted under Lloyd (Chitembwe). Really since I came in the programme hasn’t changed in terms of intensity or in terms of the goals.

“I think everything was organised and going according to plan. We had been delib­erately low key in terms of friendlies because for us as the management team and the play­ers the work we have is a process.

“It’s going to be a long season and we have conducted ourselves in a professional man­ner in the off season. We have been to Chiredzi that I think you will understand it is not one of the easiest places to be because of the heat.

“Our preparations have gone very well. We haven’t picked up so many injuries along the way. Right now I think we have 95 per­cent of our full squad.”
Connor who has a liking for a passing game said he was happy with the talent and the zeal he has seen at the Green Machine.

He also revealed that they were hoping to build on the good working relationship he has established with Chitembwe to realise their goals.
CAPS last won the championship in 2005 and last year they finished seventh in the race. Connor said he is aware of the high expectations from the club’s demanding fans and the pressure they expect to face in the league race.

“That’s a dilemma every manager faces but I have managed big clubs like Bohemi­ans back in Ireland. That pressure is part of the job. All I can do is to control the environ­ment that I work in. I think the supporters will appreciate the genuine efforts from the players,” said Connor.
“I have not come here as a saviour. I came here to learn because I see myself as a young manager. I hope the players will also benefit from my presence. I find the players very technically disciplined.

“Lloyd has been very superb to me because he has tried to help me adapt into the philosophy and psychology of Zimbab­wean football and Zimbabwean players. He has been doing this daily and I think it’s very important. As CAPS we only have got to improve.

“The players are aware of their responsi­bilities individually and collectively but it’s our job as the coaches to make sure that we create the best working environment for them.”
CAPS have beefed up their squad with new players like Chris Samakweri, Conrad Whitby, Darryl Nyandoro, Luckson Kaisa, Blessing Zabula and Rahman Kutsanzira.

But the likes of Stephen Alimenda, Anorld Chivheya, Courage Denias and Luckmore Simango have been shown the exit.
Connor said CAPS United would adopt a more passing game this season.

“I like passing football. When I got here Lloyd and I had a chat and our philosophy is very similar. I would want to see players pass the ball. We want to play high tempo.”
Connor acknowledged that he was aware of the intensity of the traditional rivalry that exists between CAPS and Dynamos in the famous Harare derbies. Currently, the blue half hold the bragging rights after winning four games in all their meetings last year.

“I’m very much aware of the rivalry. Before I came here I was sent a video of the match last year. Even where I come from there is Rangers and Celtics. But with Dynamos it’s probably only two games of the season and there are other important games to be played besides.”