Sports Stadium this afternoon, had been banking on their two star signings to make a big difference.
But, although CAPS United paid a fortune for the two players when they presented documentation to show that their contracts had expired in the DRC, it’s certain the Green Machine will miss out on their services.
Reports from Johannesburg, where TP Mazembe presented their case before a Zifa delegation to show that the two players were still contracted to them, show that CAPS United might lose the money and the players.
Samakwere this week apologised to TP Mazembe for misleading the Zimbabwean football officials that he was out of contract and was welcomed back in the team.
But the reports from Johannesburg show that Nyandoro might be disciplined by Mazembe.
Makepekepe, start the weekend Premiership programme rolling at the National Sports Stadium today when they battle against unbeaten Harare City.
Makepekepe who were handed the match against Motor Action as a walkover last week, are still looking for their first win on the pitch.
Manager Sean Connor has been banking on the two players and revealed this week that he has a full squad at his disposal except midfielder Tendai Samanja who is down with injury.
“There is good competition in the team. Picking the first XI has become difficult but I would rather have that problem than have a small squad with limited options,” he said.
Skipper Edmore Chafungamoyo, who was dropped for the abortive game against Motor Action, is back in the side after recovering from injury.
The Green Machine fans, who came to Gwanzura in their thousands for the game that never was against the Might Bulls, are also expected to come in numbers at the giant stadium today.
Harare City coach Bigboy Mawiwi said he was looking forward to another good performance by his charges.
City, who are yet to taste defeat after three games, will have to do without one of their defenders Willard Kalongonda who is with the national Under-20 team that is due to play Botswana in Bulawayo this afternoon.
“This must be a difficult game because CAPS United want to prove something.
“They are playing well and they do their things in a professional manner.
“We really respect them as an institution but we are not panicking because we have played three former champions to date,” said Mawiwi.
City recorded their first victory last week when they beat Gunners at Gwanzura.
They had drawn their first two games, which leaves them on five points from three games.
Police outfit, Black Mambas, have engaged Moses Chunga as their technical advisor as they battle to improve their fortunes this year.
Officials from the club could not immediately confirm the appointment but sources yesterday said Chunga, who has been jobless since he parted ways with Gunners during the off season break, has found a new home at Morris Depot.
Mambas face Dynamos in a Premier Soccer League match at Rufaro tomorrow and former DeMbare forward Nicholas Alifandika has said the Glamour Boys should not expect an easy game.
Alifandika, who made an acrimonious exit from the club early this year, said he is enjoying his new lease of life at the police side and is looking forward to the clash against his old paymasters.
The left-footed winger said Mambas are prepared for the possible backlash from DeMbare who need to start winning as soon as possible after losing their last three games in succession.
This isn’t a healthy situation for the Harare giants who are set to embark on the Champions League journey first round campaign against Esperance in the coming week.
However, Alifandika believes pressure is now on DeMbare.
“We aim to play our normal game but, obviously, we expect a tough match,” he said.
“We are a team that has so many new players who are trying to adjust.
“We are still rebuilding and I think we are moving in the right direction.”
Mambas have lost two of their opening three games of the year.
Alifandika scored his first goal this season in the 3-1 defeat to FC Platinum.
The technical side yesterday revealed they have a full squad and indicated that another ex-Dynamos player Sebastian Mutizirwa has recovered from injury.
Despite winning their second game 1-0 away at Hardbody, Mambas suffered their second home defeat to Buffaloes last week and are hoping for another away victory.
“We are prepared for Dynamos. They are just like any other team in the Premiership but the only difference is the size of the crowds.
“They have a big following, which can be intimidating at times, but personally I am used to it.
“It’s good for me playing against them because I know almost all the players and their weaknesses,” said Alifandika.
The Glamour Boys want the match against Mambas to provide the turning point ahead of the trip to Tunisia and coach Callisto Pasuwa has made a big plea to his troops.
DeMbare will be hoping for a big crowd tomorrow as their sponsors Savanna Tobacco are providing free transport to the fans in eight high density suburbs in Harare and Chitungwiza.
Dynamos and Mambas are currently tied on three points but the Glamour Boys, who have experienced mixed fortunes in their first two outings, still have a game in hand.
Pasuwa said he will not put his players under pressure to get the positive results as they may end up getting frustrated if the goals don’t come quickly.
Gunners will be looking for their first win against Monomotapa at Rufaro this afternoon.
Chando Kupisa currently have one point from three starts while Monoz have made a good start with two wins and a draw.
Fixtures
Today: CAPS United v Harare City (National Sports Stadium); FC Platinum v Shabanie (Mandava); Monomotapa v Gunners(Rufaro); Blue Rangers v Chicken Inn (Gwanzura);
Sunday: Dynamos v Black Mambas (Rufaro); Hardbody v Hwange (Ascot); Buffaloes v Highlanders (Sakubva); Quelaton v Motor Action (Luveve).

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