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YEARNING FOR THE GOOD TIMES . . . CAPS United players will be hoping that their return to the National Sports Stadium today will spark another fine run of form

Eddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
PREMIERSHIP giants CAPS United will be back in the spotlight again today as they return to their favourite hunting ground — the National Sports Stadium — with high hopes of an immediate turnaround of fortunes.

CAPS United receive second from bottom Tsholotsho, who however, offer a potential banana skin despite struggling with their game so far this season.

Tsholotsho, who had a fine season on their Premiership debut last year, have been pale shadow of the giant- killing act that claimed the scalps of many a big team and are languishing in 15th place with just two wins and as many draws from 12 games.

But CAPS United coach Lloyd Chitembwe, who has been the main focus of attention in the last fortnight amid a surprise barrage of attacks from the club’s boo boys, would be the first to admit that Tsholotsho cannot be treated lightly on the basis of their lowly log standing.

Winless in the last two games, the Green Machine are happy to be returning to the giant stadium which they have turned into a fortress where they have somehow managed to grind results even on their off day.

Their experiment with Rufaro in their last home game against Hwange failed to pay dividends after they were held to a 1-1 draw despite dominating for larger portions of the match.

The result left the CAPS United supporters divided as some felt they could have wrapped up the match and seize the momentum in the championship race.

Crucially for Chitembwe and his backroom staff, club president Farai Jere and his management have been steadfast in their support for the coach.

Jere and his board have also been working round the clock to “secure sponsors who will come on board and partner us in the second half of the season because we have been doing very well’’.

And after picking up an important point away at log leaders FC Platinum at the weekend which kept them among the leading pack, team manager Shakespeare Chinogwenya believes their side is still in a good position.

Chinogwenya noted that CAPS United have had a good run at the National Sports Stadium this year where they have won four matches and drawn one.

“The good thing is that we haven’t lost a match at the National Sports Stadium this year and this definitely should spur us on. So everyone is ready for this match.

“Our boys usually do well at the National Sports Stadium and we are praying that they will rise to their best. These guys know what to do and what is expected of them. They are determined, they are all anxious to play,” said Chinogwenya.

Makepekepe are set to welcome defensive midfielder Kudzai Nyamupfukudza who returns after missing the last two games through suspension and injury.

Nyamupfukudza, however, should not expect to march straight back into the team as he has to fight for a place with Devon Chafa, who put up an outstanding shift when handed his debut for Makepekepe in their last assignment at FC Platinum.

Another midfielder, Chrispen Machisi, will spend at least six weeks on the sidelines after picking up a serious injury last week following a collision with teammate Ronald Pfumbidzayi during training.

Abbas Amidu is still away on trials in Germany. Chitembwe, however, still has most of his players available for selection with veteran striker Leonard Tsipa expected to lead the search for goals while Simba Nhivi and Dominic Chungwa also provide attacking options.

The Green Machine are currently third on the log standings with 26 points, one behind log leaders FC Platinum who travel to Hwange this afternoon.

“Our supporters should not panic because of the games that we couldn’t win. It’s now behind us. We are looking forward to this new challenge although

I am not saying Tsholotsho will be easy opponents.

“Obviously these small teams are usually motivated when they play against big teams. So we expect a good match from them.

“But our game hasn’t been that bad. We have been creating a lot of chances and I am sure if we can do the same and utilise those chances we should be fine,” said Chinogwenya.

Tsholotsho were inactive at the weekend after their match against Mutare City was cancelled.

Despite the poor returns this year, their coach Lizwe Sweswe yesterday said they are still looking to put up a fight.

“I think we are prepared for this match. Of course, we respect CAPS United because they are one of the biggest teams in Zimbabwe and that they are sitting somewhere at the top of the table, which means they are playing well.

“But football results are determined after 90 minutes. We hope to match them. It’s unfortunate that we have been facing our own challenges in the first half of the season. But most of those things have been sorted out now,” said Sweswe.

Tsholotsho recently lost one of their best players Simbarashe Gorogodyo to Dynamos and it appears they may lose more during the mid-season transfer window if they do not move to stem the skills flight.

Log leaders FC Platinum could cement their position at the top if they win away at Hwange. But a loss would present Makepekepe with another window of opportunity to take control of the race at least until tomorrow when second paced Highlanders return to action with a date against Mutare City at Sakubva.

Fixtures

Today: Bulawayo City v Border Strikers (Barbourfields, 1300hrs), Chicken Inn v Ngezi Platinum Stars (Barbourfields, 1500hrs), ZPC Kariba v Harare City (Nyamhunga), CAPS United v Tsholotsho (NSS), Triangle United v Chapungu (Gibbo), Hwange v FC Platinum (Colliery)

Tomorrow: How Mine v Dynamos (Barbourfields), Mutare City Rovers v Highlanders (Sakubva).