Zimpapers Logo

Grace Chingoma

Senior Sports Reporter

HIGHLY-RATED CAPS United midfielder, Blessing Sarupinda, returned home this week and was subsequently registered by the Green Machine.

The Harare giants have submitted their 30-member list to the Premier Soccer League.

The PSL’s administrative deadline was yesterday, as the top-flight league begin preparations, ahead of football resumption.

A number of clubs yesterday submitted their provisional lists to the PSL. 

The clubs had been waiting for the signal, for the next step, after a 15-month period of inactivity.

CAPS United yesterday included Sarupinda, on their list, following his return from Europe early in the week.

He had been in trials in Portugal.

The 21-year-old midfielder has been angling for a move into the Portuguese third-tier league, with Sporting Clube Olhanense, since last year.

Last year, in March, Sarupinda was in Portugal for a three-week trial period, with the club, but the proposed move was affected by the outbreak of Covid-19.

The midfielder is a product of the famed Aces Youth Soccer Academy.

The utility player, who can play as an attacking midfielder, rightback or winger, had been expected to sign for the Portuguese club.

The Green Machine used the links, provided by their Itaian technical director, Roberto Landi, to secure a trial stint for Sarupinda.

But, Sarupinda who left for Portugal last month but, once again, he could not make it.

Yesterday, club vice-president, Nhamo Tutisani, said the player returned home on Tuesday, and the proposed deal, was affected by the current inactivity.

“Fitness was one of the reasons he did not make it. They analyse a number of things, physiological and technical aspects, so, he was found wanting in some of those areas,’’ he said.

“So, we need to try and assist him in those areas before we send him back again. They said he is a good player but has some shortcomings.” 

Although CAPS United could not reveal the full list of the players they have signed, it is understood coach Darlington Dodo has also registered some young players.

There were fears that the club could lose a lot of experienced players, at the beginning of the year, when Newman Sianchali and Innocent Muchaneka, decided against renewing their contracts, which expired in December.

Goalkeeper Wallace Magalane also decided to return to his former club FC Platinum.  

The Premier Soccer League have issued a statement on the proposed resumption of domestic football.

“The PSL accepts the conditions, and operating procedures set by the Sports and Recreation Commission, in light of the return of football.

“The league is currently in the process of engaging key stakeholders, to discuss steps to be taken to meet the set conditions, for the safe and appropriate return of football.

“The process will involve Covid-19 testing, pre-season training, registration of players and inspection and sanitisation of stadium, before the commencement of competitions.’’