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Eddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
A SPATE of injuries have rocked CAPS United as they battle on two fronts to get everyone fit while keeping the bulk of their disgruntled players focused ahead of the blockbuster clash with Highlanders at Barbourfields this Sunday. The Harare giants have been going through their normal practice sessions this week in preparation for the trip to the City of Kings but coach Mark Harrison revealed yesterday they are likely to miss some of their key players due to knocks.

Harrison indicated that he was facing a potential crisis following injuries to his key players like Ronald Pfumbidzai, Carlton Munzabwa and Ashley Rambanapasi while Leonard Tsipa is still on the sidelines.

There were also concerns about Rodreck Mutuma.

“We have been working the whole week since the last game and I’m sure the guys are ready. But we have got one or two injuries which we are trying to clear up,” said Harrison.

“Ashley, Ronnie and Carlton are injured. Leonard is still down as well.

“So we have got three or four of our senior players injured at the moment, which is a bit of a problem.

“But we are hoping that by Sunday most of them will be available. We will only know in the next 24 hours or so how they will be feeling.

“Other than that, everything has been going on well. We are looking forward to the game. It’s going to be a battle down there. It’s a big game against Highlanders, I’m sure.”

CAPS United and Highlanders have met once this year when the Green Machine triumphed 2-1 at Barbourfields in the pre-season Bob91 Super Cup play-off at Barbourfields.

However, Makepekepe have not won in their last four league games and have since dropped to 10th place on the log standings. CAPS United failed to utilise home advantage last week in the 1-1 draw with ZPC Kariba and Harrison revealed he will be eager for a positive result.

The clash against Highlanders represents one of the major highlights for the season but this match comes when the bulk of his squad is disgruntled over the management’s failure to settle their salary bills and signing-on fees.

CAPS United will need to dig deep to motivate the bulk of their players to turn up for the clash as morale remains low in the Harare giants’ camp.

The players and the technical team had not received their dues by yesterday, despite the promises made by the management earlier this month.

Sources within the team said some of the senior players were reluctant to travel and the coach was making frantic efforts to convince his men to go for the battle.

Their last trip to Bulawayo for a match against How Mine turned into a farce as the players refused to take to the field in protest.

How Mine were awarded the match on a 3-0 scoreline.

Fixtures

Today

FC Platinum v Tsholotsho (Mandava)

Tomorrow

How Mine v Whawha (Barbourfields), ZPC Kariba v Flame Lily (Gwanzura)

Sunday

Highlanders v CAPS United (Barbourfields), Buffaloes v Chapungu (Sakubva), Hwange v Dongo Sawmill (Colliery), Triangle v Harare City (Gibbo), Dynamos v Chicken Inn (Rufaro)