Zimpapers Logo

Eddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
CUTHBERT Chitima says he is ready for his new role as acting chief executive at CAPS United after he was tasked with the mandate to transform the Green Machine into a fully-fledged business entity.

Makepekepe announced the reshuffle three weeks ago with Chitima filling the position that was left by Joe Makuvire.

Chitima, who was roped into the CAPS United board last year together with ZIFA Northern Region chairman Willard Manyengavana and banker Desmund Ali, said he is ready for the new challenge.

Among his responsibilities, Chitima is expected to fashion CAPS United into an attractive brand that should easily attract various corporate partners.

“My mandate is to build a business model and to run the club as a business. Like all other businesses, CAPS United should be self-sustainable.

“If you look at the environment we are operating in, it may be very difficult, but I believe all things are possible if done correctly.

“The bottom line is that we need to be professional in everything that we do so that everyone would love to associate with us.

“For now the shareholders are financing most of the operations. So I have been tasked to seek sponsorship for the club.

“Right now we have Nyaradzo and Oasis Water. These are some of the partners we have so far and there are also others that we are still negotiating with.

“I can’t divulge the names because the talks haven’t been finalised.

“I believe CAPS United is a very big brand and it being big, it should be able to attract partners. But we will also need to do awareness campaigns for our brand.

“I know people know about CAPS United, but it’s important too to reach out to them through road shows and other means so that they get to understand better what CAPS United is all about,” said Chitima.

CAPS United have made a good start this year under Lloyd Chitembwe.

They are currently second on the log standings with 17 points from eight starts.

“We started well in as far as team performance is concerned. It has been our desire as a club and as a technical team to assemble a competitive side and we hope consistency will always prevail.

“So judging with the current performance our prospects are positive.

“Our fans are an integral part of the team. They are a critical element of the stakeholder portfolio and it remains our desire to ensure that their happiness and their emotions are protected, secured and possibly maximised.

“We are also proud to disclose that our fans this season have been fantastic, rallying behind the team home and away and that alone is enough support to ensure that the team provides the happiness and satisfaction they are seeking,” said Chitima.

The Gunners president said they have made huge strides in meeting the requirements of CAF Club Licensing after putting in place proper administrative structures and setting up an office in Eastlea with full-time employees.

The Harare giants have enhanced their development programme by teaming up with Division One side Gunners who are now acting as a feeder club.

He also revealed Makepekepe have plans to have their stadium in the near future.

“I think in terms of Club Licensing we are about 90 percent complete.

“According to the requirements, we would need to have our stadium and I can tell you that is being worked out. I think the land earmarked for that has already been identified.

“We are looking to have a 15 000-seater stadium here in Harare which should have training facilities and possibly a playing field for our matches.

“Makepekepe also have proper structures from the board of directors to a fully staffed office. We are also running a website and a Facebook page.

“In terms of development, we have Division One side Gunners which is now part of CAPS United. They are carrying out the development programme for CAPS United dealing with players between the age of 17 and 21.

“All those that excel will be given a chance to play for the CAPS United senior team.

“So that means the primary aim is not to get promoted, but to groom players for CAPS United and for the export market.

“The good thing about this partnership is that CAPS United will no longer have to buy players from outside sources.

“We also have Sports Avenue Academy which is under Ray Mundembe. They work with younger players from eight years to 16.

“We are looking to have a fully-fledged academy,” said Chitima.

Meanwhile, Harare City were held to a goalless draw by Chapungu in a Castle Lager Premiership tie at Rufaro yesterday.

The result is likely to pile the pressure on coach Taurai Mangwiro.

A number of coaches looking for a job, including former Dynamos gaffer Paulo Jorge Silva, were at Rufaro for the match.