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Eddie Chikamhi Senior Sports Reporter
THE odds are stacked heavily against CAPS United ahead of their Battle of the Cities clash with traditional rivals Highlanders, but the Green Machine believe they could start a new chapter when the giants clash at Barbourfields in a league match tomorrow.

CAPS United left for Bulawayo yesterday with unwanted records hanging over their heads as Barbourfields apparently turned into a miserable hunting ground over the years.

Makepekepe have only won once in over a decade. Successive coaches and players have struggled to find the formula to break the jinx and this has led current coach Lloyd Chitembwe to summon all his faculties this week.

No doubt, it is going to be a difficult outing as Chitembwe acknowledged during the weekly Press conference, but the Green Machine are in high spirits following the unveiling of a $700 000 sponsorship package by NetOne and the 2-0 win over newboys Manica Diamonds in their opening match at the National Sports stadium last week.

This blockbuster Battle of the Cities may have come earlier than is usually expected, but Chitembwe believes the stability brought by the financial injection in their camp will help work the miracle this season.  Highlanders are also bankrolled by the telecommunications giants.

“It’s a huge feeling within the club, an unbelievable feeling within the playing team and it’s great to have NetOne in there,” said Chitembwe.

“In any case, they have brought in the much-needed stability in as much as the spirit is concerned because what stabilises the spirit is when the finances are okay.

“I am sure at the moment our finances are okay and we are looking forward to make sure we play with responsibility in terms of protecting the brand and I am sure we are more than capable of doing that,” said Chitembwe.

Makepekepe have all their players available for the game except probably for returning striker Dominic Chungwa, who picked a groin injury last week.

Strikers Gabriel Nyoni and Newman Sianchali, who crossed the floor during the pre-season break, could also be part of Chitembwe’s plans to upset their opponents. Makepekepe last won a match at Barbourfields five years ago when they dispatched their opponents 1-0.

This was only the second time that they had beaten Bosso at Barbourfields since 2006.

But after last week’s display with goals from Joel Ngodzo and John Zhuwawu, Chitembwe is hoping for more from his charges. He wants to see them winning away. “I hope to see a reaction after a good home performance.

“I just want to see how they react away from the usual and familiar environment. I am looking forward to experience that,” said Chitembwe.

Highlanders started off their campaign with a 1-1 draw away to Black Rhinos.

But the Bosso family believe it will be a changed script at fortress Babourfields where Madinda Ndlovu’s men will be hoping to make first impressions on their multitude of fans.

They will no doubt also bank on history to repeat itself.