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Sports Reporter
CAPS United have said that their football rivalry with Dynamos is not Mickey Mouse business and the Glamour Boys should expect a tough time when the two giants meet in the semi-finals of the ZNA Charities at Rufaro this weekend.

Makepekepe, who are holders of the trophy, are looking to repeat the feat against their traditional foes, whom they beat 3-1 in the semi-finals of the tournament last year, on their way to clinching the pre-season title.

The Green Machine have been active on the market as coach Lloyd Chitembwe seeks to replenish his side after losing a number of key players that helped the side win the 2016 Castle Lager Premiership title.

The club’s chief executive Cuthbert Chitima yesterday welcomed the opportunity for a head-to-head battle against their bitter rivals to kick-start their pre-season warm-up games.

Makepekepe have brought in a number of new faces that include Brian Muzondiwa, Praise Tonha, Munyaradzi Diya and Wisdom Mutasa. The Green Machine have also welcomed back into the fold their former players Oscar Machapa, Ronald Chitiyo, Chris Mverechena and Method Mwanjali.

“We are happy to be participating in charity and this is going to be our first match in the pre-season. It’s a great opportunity for the team to fine-tune.

“Unlike the previous years, this season the league is starting a bit early and we have only been a few weeks into our preparations so it was difficult for us to make far-reaching plans like what we did last season when we had pre-season tours outside the country.

“So we are looking forward to the ZNA Charities match. Although this is going to be our first pre-season match, you know when we play Dynamos there is nothing like pre-season or friendly match. The games always produce great competition,” said Chitima.

Makepekepe won the ZNA Charities last season when they beat Dynamos 3-1 courtesy of goals from Leonard Tsipa, Dominic Chungwa and a Wisdom Mutasa own goal.

Denver Mukamba scored the consolation for Dynamos.

But many changes have taken place since with Tsipa having hung up his boots while Chungwa has moved to South Africa.

Mutasa will now be fighting in Makepekepe’s corner after he chose the Green Machine over his former team upon his return from a short and unhappy stint in Tanzania.

His father, Lloyd Mutasa, who is the Dynamos coach, has given him the blessing since he believes the 22-year-old fizzled into comfort zone under his charge at DeMbare.

Highlanders and Chicken Inn are expected to feature in the other semi-final.

The representatives from the four teams are expected to join the organisers — Zimbabwe National Army — at a press conference to set the tone for the tournament in Harare today.