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Eddie Chikamhi, Senior Sports Reporter

GIANTS CAPS United have high hopes of turning around their campaign in the second half of the 2024 Premiership season after signing highly-rated Cameroonian striker Boris Kache to boost their attack.

The forward was yesterday expected to travel with the team to Bulawayo for the Green Machine’s match against Arenel set for this afternoon at Luveve, where he will be watching from the terraces, while also familiarising with his new teammates, as he awaits his documents to be processed.

The 22-year-old arrives with so much promise having ended as the Cameroonian Elite Two top scorer of the 2022/2023 season with 16 goals, while playing for Rangers FC.

The performance earned him a move to Bamboutos FC in the Cameroonian topflight MTN Elite One league and grabbed seven goals in the just-ended campaign.

Kache signed a one-year deal with the Green Machine yesterday, much to the delight of club president Farai Jere, who believes the expat forward could be the answer to their woes in front of goal.

“If you have been following our games, you will agree with me that CAPS United have been playing probably the best football in the Premiership.

“We have been creating chances. For instance, in our recent game against Herentals which we lost 1-0, you saw that we missed so many chances and they just got one and scored.

“That has been the case the whole season. But we did not rush to press the panic button because we knew the problem is not with the entire team.

“We have got a very good defence and a very good midfield anchored by the young man (Kingsley) Mureremba. But our biggest programme has been the strike force. Goals are not coming.

“So, we looked at that department and we looked for a striker whom we think is going to bring the solution,” said Jere.

Overall, CAPS United have been struggling in front of goal despite having in their fold the current Premiership joint top scorer William Manondo who has bagged eight goals in 20 starts.

The team’s total tally is a measly 21 goals and some of their fans were beginning to lose heart after Makepekepe slid to ninth place on the log standings.

“Some have accused of not being pro-active. But we have been doing our things quietly because we didn’t want to press the panic button and probably conclude the whole system is not working.

“Our problem has been the failure to score. Just look how good young (Junior) Bunjira has been with all those movements from the wings.

“So, what we just need is a very good striker who can position himself well and very good in the air and the striker we have brought fits the bill.

“This guy we are bringing has scored goals in Cameroon and we thought this guy is going to give us the solution for the rest of the season.

“So, as we blend youth and experience, we are slowly building our team and we know our targets. We know what we are going to achieve and at what time.

“He (Kache) is a good striker, with a good stature and what have you. It’s going to be exciting times,” said Jere.

Kache has also been tracked by various South African clubs that included Kaizer Chiefs, Marumo Gallants, Moroka Swallows, Venda FC, Upington City FC and Baroka.

He arrived in Zimbabwe a few weeks back and has trained with Yadah. According to the player’s intermediary George Deda, Manica Diamonds and Scottland were also reportedly interested in vetting the striker.

“He trained with Yadah three days. They are the ones who sent the initial invite and we had wanted him to sign with the club. However, the Yadah hierarchy is currently out of the country and therefore no decision could be made on time, seeing the window is closing in the next four days.

“We didn’t want a situation where the player would spend the whole season seated and with no contract. It has unwanted repercussions.

“So, we opened it up to the interested clubs that whoever send their papers first would get first preference. CAPS United did just that.

“Let’s not forget CAPS United are a big brand with a rich history. They have the pedigree and I think Kache will do well, considering he is only 22 years,” said Deda.

Today: Arenel Movers v CAPS United (Luveve)

Tomorrow: Yadah v Bulawayo Chiefs (Heart Stadium), Dynamos v Bikita Minerals (Rufaro), Hwange v Simba Bhora (Colliery), Highlanders v TelOne (Barbourfields), GreenFuel v Chegutu Pirates (GreenFuel Arena), Manica Diamonds v Ngezi Platinum Stars (Sakubva), ZPC Kariba v Chicken Inn (Nyamhunga), FC Platinum v Herentals (Mandava)