CAPS Utd still a big team: Dhlakama Rodwell Dhlakama

Langton Nyakwenda-Sports Reporter

CAPS United are yet to win a league game in April. 

They have had yet another indifferent start to a season, and have registered two wins and a draw from six outings.

The 2016 champions also look set to lose in the boardroom battle of their abandoned match against FC Platinum at Mandava, which was called off four minutes from time, due to a pitch invasion by some CAPS United hooligans, with the miners leading 1-0. 

With six points out of a possible 18, CAPS United have a 33 percent success rate. 

However, GreenFuel coach Rodwell Dhlakama is convinced Makepekepe are still a big institution “by any measure of imagination”. 

But the veteran coach reckons that his youthful GreenFuel outfit “are a young and beautiful outfit with clear ambitions”. 

CAPS United and GreenFuel clash in what promises to be an exciting Castle Lager Premier Soccer League battle at Rufaro this afternoon (kick-off 3pm) 

GreenFuel have nine points from two wins and three draws but are yet to secure victory on the road this term.

This is also the first time they are playing at Rufaro as the stadium was still closed when they made their Premiership debut last year. 

“Playing in Harare, especially at Rufaro is a big motivation on its own since this is the ceremonial home of local football,” Dhlakama told Zimpapers Sports. 

GreenFuel have played three matches on the road so far, against Simba Bhora, Chegutu Pirates and Chicken Inn. 

They drew 1-1 against Simba Bhora in a game that marked the official opening of Wadzanai Stadium in Shamva on March 16. 

The Ethanol Boys then lost 0-1 against new boys Chegutu Pirates at Baobab before succumbing to a 0-2 defeat by Chicken Inn at Luveve. 

While GreenFuel are struggling on the road, CAPS United have been wobbly at home, with one win in four home games. 

“We respect CAPS United as an institution, a big club by any measure of imagination, but we are GreenFuel, a young but beautiful team with lots of ambition,” said Dhlakama. 

Their two league meetings last season produced six goals. 

CAPS United won the first match 2-0 before the two teams drew 2-2 at the Green Fuel Arena in Chisumbanje.

It means GreenFuel are still searching for their first league win against Makepekepe. 

“We must be smart to win against CAPS United,” added Dhlakama. 

In terms of experience, CAPS United are up there, as most of their key players are above 30. 

They fielded Lot Chiwunga (37), Rodwell Chinyengetere (36), (Bruce Kangwa (35), Devon Chafa (33), Phineas Bamusi (33), and Ralph Kawondera (33), when they lost 0-1 against Manica Diamonds at Sakubva last Sunday. 

A howler by 31-year-old goalkeeper Ashley Rayners proved costly for Makepekepe. 

“They (CAPS United) are coming from a defeat, hence we are playing a team that is also wounded like us,” said Dhlakama, whose side dropped two points when being held goalless at home by Herentals last weekend. 

“But, we are clear on our objectives this season, we want to improve the quality of our play and improve our overall position.” 

GreenFuel have a mixture of upcoming talents such as Young Warriors striker Washington Mapuwa and Tinotenda Meke. 

They are also not short on some experienced legs with veterans who include Donald Ngoma, Ray Uchena, Munyaradzi Diro Nyenye, and Brian Chikwenya being on their books. 

Former Triangle United and Ngezi Platinum Stars striker Anelka Chivandire has scored two goals so far for GreenFuel.

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