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Tadious Manyepo
Sports Reporter
THEY might be facing problems on and off the field of play but two of CAPS United’s players Devon Chafa and William Manondo could still achieve their different season targets, after all.
The Castle Lager Premier Soccer League marathon makes way for the premium knock-out tournament, the Chibuku Super Cup’s first round this weekend.
Makepekepe, who have vastly improved in the league showing after a long lean spell, will be fancying their chances, not only of competing well but of winning the crown which has eluded them since it’s re-introduction in 2013.
The Green Machine open their campaign with a tricky tie against Black Rhinos at Vengere. But, the Lloyd Chitembwe-coached charges should be bubbling with confidence, having gone for the last six matches without tasting defeat.
The Chibuku Super Cup is a different game, of course, but Makepekepe have an ace in their sleeve.
Winger Phineas Bamusi has won that cup before when he was still at Triangle in 2018.
And then there is the man who is even nicknamed “Mr Chibuku” — Manondo — for his prowess in this tournament.
He has won it twice, in 2013 and 2016 and he has been in the final twice in 2014 and 2018 while playing for Harare City.
Manondo has scored 30 goals in this tournament, more than anyone else and his goals are expected to also help the Green Machine conquer.
But the goals, if they come, will not only help Makepekepe but his teammate Chafa, especially. Chafa, the most decorated player in the modern Premiership, has won seven league titles with three different clubs but the Chibuku Super Cup keep on going the separate way.
He is hoping to get the help from Manondo, who he has also helped in his own bid to win the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Golden Boot award, which is the primary target for the ex-Harare City forward this season.
Manondo has dominated the Chibuku Super Cup discourse over the past nine years and as much as he wants to hog the limelight once again this time, his priority is to win the league’s top goal-scorer award.
He is in firm control of the race after scoring 14 goals in 21 starts.
Interestingly, close to three-thirds of those goals have been assisted by the boot of Chafa.
“It’s really an interesting one. I have said that my primary goal is to help CAPS United achieve their goals as a team.
“Then, I want to reach the 20-goal mark in the Premiership and possibly win the Golden Boot,” said Manondo.
“I am happy my teammates are helping me a lot. “I have won the Chibuku Super Cup twice and have been the top scorer in that competition several times too. So I am primarily concerned with winning what I have failed to win before.
“I haven’t won the league title or any outstanding reward in the league. So here is a chance and I should grab it with both hands.
“I am going to keep on working hard, throwing everything I can into my game and keep on scoring. I am grateful to the technical team led by coach Lloyd Chitembwe for their faith in me and I would also want to salute my teammates for providing the assists.
“In the Chibuku Super Cup, yes, this is the only cup which we can realistically fight for, given where we are in the league. We are going to press and try to win it for the team and the fans.”
Chafa, who is one of the most outstanding players in the whole league this season, doesn’t mince his words when it comes to the Chibuku Super Cup. The veteran midfielder knows winning this accolade will draw him closer to being invincible. No player, in the history of Zimbabwean football, has won seven league titles with three different clubs and Chafa can consolidate that record by adding the Chibuku Super Cup to his collection.
The former Dynamos man came close to winning the trophy last year only for his ex-team Ngezi Platinum Stars to lose on penalties against FC Platinum. He, of course, will need Manondo to be at his best in a tournament he has outperformed every other player.
Online Reporter