Zimpapers Logo

Taurai Mangwiro

Eddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
HARARE giants CAPS United need to put behind them the drama that has stalked their camp in their last two cup games, as they return home to host How Mine in a league match at Rufaro Stadium tomorrow.
The Green Machine badly need to bounce back to winning ways, at least to get their confidence back, after the demoralising 6-0 and 1-0 defeats to FC Platinum in the ZNA Charities final and the Chibuku Super Cup quarter-finals recently.

Team coach Taurayi Mangwiro and his technical staff had a difficult time this week trying to get their charges believing in themselves again.
Mangwiro said the players have been responding well in training and they were now expecting them to put everything into practice tomorrow.
The CAPS gaffer was not feeling well yesterday, but should be fine for tomorrow’s tie.

Team manager Luis Maio yesterday told The Herald that the players were psyched up and were looking forward to the match against How Mine.
“We have been talking to them and it’s looking good. Everyone is focused for Sunday’s game and it’s better now that we are playing at home.
“We need to seize the initiative and get back to our winning form.

“So, we are calling on our supporters, who are the 12th man, to come in their numbers and urge their team on.
“Of course, it was disappointing for them losing twice to one team in the last two weeks, but we have to move on.

“I believe we are a strong team. Part of the challenges that we face are financial and that is why I am saying our fans should come to the stadium in big numbers.
“The reason being that, besides giving the team home advantage, the club will also stand to benefit financially since it relies mostly on money from the gate takings.
“So, their support will go a long way both on and off the field,” said Maio.

Makepekepe have had a decent run in the league marathon this year, despite their off-field woes.
Maio said they were not going to put their heads down in the wake of challenges they are facing, as they aim to finish the season strongly.

CAPS United are still in the championship race with a good chance, as they currently sit fourth on the log standings, four points behind leaders Dynamos.
Unlike both Dynamos and Highlanders, the Green Machine have a home tie this weekend and the advantage of playing after knowing the results of their rivals.

Makepekepe were boosted by the return of midfielder Moses Muchenje from injury to ensure that Mangwiro will have virtually all his players fit for selection.
By yesterday, it looked like defender Steven Makatuka will be the only player unavailable this weekend, as he is suspended for the red card he picked in their last league outing at Bantu Rovers.

Their opponents How Mine are also looking to bounce back from the disappointment they suffered in the quarter-finals of the Chibuku Super Cup last week.
Luke Masomere’s men crashed to a 3-1 defeat to neighbours Highlanders and as they shift focus back to the league competition, they know they have to step up their act in the fight against relegation.

The gold miners, however, are not easy customers and beat CAPS United 2-0 in the first leg at Luveve Stadium.
How Mine are currently fourth-from-the-bottom of the table with 27 points.

They are not safe, with only eight games remaining in the season.
Masomere has a huge pool of quality players to select his team from, especially with the return of veteran Menard Mupera from injury.

They also have good players like Kuda Musharu, Wonder Sithole, Thembani Masuku and Caleb Masocha who can turn things around on a good day.
Impressive newboys ZPC Kariba also have an important date this afternoon against in-form Black Rhinos at Gwanzura.

Rhinos are coming from a morale-boosting 4-0 win over Triangle, which saw them advancing to the semi-finals of the Chibuku Super Cup.
The army side had a poor start to the season, but new coach Jostein Mathuthu has led them on a recovery path.

Their results have been encouraging.
But while the soldiers are fighting to move from the bottom, ZPC Kariba have been experiencing different fortunes.

Saul Chaminuka’s men are currently third on the log table and are only four points behind leaders Dynamos.