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Eddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
CAPS UNITED players yesterday received their outstanding salaries for the last month and the Harare giants are now looking to put behind them the turmoil that gripped their camp last week.
The Green Machine host Shabanie in a Castle Lager Premiership match at the National Sports Stadium on Sunday.

Morale had been low among the Green Machine players over non-payment of salaries for the month of May and winning bonuses for, at least, two matches.

However, there was good news yesterday when the club’s management made a commitment to pay out the players what they were owed in salaries while the remainder for the winning bonuses was being sought.

Club spokesperson Joyce Kapota confirmed the players were paid their dues and were now looking for positive responses in the next assignment.

“We are happy our players have been paid what they were owed in terms of salaries. It’s been difficult but I am sure everyone is happy with the development.

“We are calling on our supporters to come in their numbers to support their team. This is a game we need to win and we remain positive since the National Sports Stadium is our favourite hunting ground,” said Kapota.

Makepekepe have maintained the cheapest ticket at US$3 while tickets for bays 15-18 cost US$5 and tickets for the VIP cost US$10.

They have enjoyed a good run at home where they are yet to lose a match since their decision to switch to the National Sports Stadium.

Team manager Luis Maio said morale was low in the camp following the 0-3 mauling at the hands of Chapungu last week after their players almost refused to travel to Gweru for that assignment demanding their unpaid dues.

“I believe everything has been sorted out now and we are looking forward to the next match. It’s always difficult to get everyone up especially after that defeat.

“But when you are under pressure and you get something to relieve your situation the spirits are always lifted up.

“That is the situation we find ourselves in. We are happy there are no injuries to talk about. We have always tried to engage the players to keep them focused and we reminded them that their careers come first while things were being sorted out.

“Of course, Shabanie Mine have a very good team but I am sure we are ready for them. We only need to address some few areas because we didn’t play that badly at Chapungu as the scoreline might suggest.

“In fact, two of the goals that we conceded were a result of defensive blunders and, of course, the third goal by one of our former players (Gift Phiri) was well struck and there was nothing anyone could do to stop it.

“Now we are just pleading with our supporters to recognise that we are going through some financial difficulties and I am sure some things are being worked out to solve the situation. We need their support especially at such a moment as this.”

The Green Machine are currently in eighth place on the log standings with 14 points from 10 starts and they are looking to make the most of home advantage as they have not won a match in four matches they have played outside Harare.

Their opponents Shabanie Mine have their own financial challenges and players have been at loggerheads with the management over unpaid salaries and poor working conditions.

The asbestos miners are one point better than the Harare side on the table, lying in sixth place.

Fixtures
Tomorrow
ZPC Kariba v Chapungu (Gwanzura, SS9), FC Platinum v Black Rhinos (Mandava), Chicken Inn v Chiredzi (Luveve)

Sunday
Hwange v Dynamos (Colliery), CAPS United v Shabanie Mine (NSS, SS9), Triangle v Highlanders (Gibbo)

Monday
Harare City v Bantu Rovers (Rufaro, SS9)