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Eddie Chikamhi
Zimpapers Sports Hub
EXPERIENCED goalkeeper Ashley Rayners is set to leave CAPS United as the giants are having a complete overhaul of their goalkeeping department ahead of the new season.
The Green Machine decided not to renew the contracts of their top three ‘keepers, including first-choice and former captain Tonderai Mateyaunga, as well Tapiwa Rusenza.
Rayners, who turns 32 in two weeks; time, has a two-year contract with Makepekepe.
Club CEO Morton Dodzo confirmed the departure of the ‘keeper.
“The club’s position is that we did not renew his contract. We would like to thank Rayners for his services to the club for the last two years.
“He is free to join any club of his choice,” said Dodzo.
Reyners is believed to be on his way to Premiership side GreenFuel.
He met with mixed fortunes when he was called to replace Mateyaunga, who had recurrent struggles with injuries.
Sources say the club’s leadership believes the department cost them last season after the club conceded 39 goals in 34 games.
This was the third worst record in 2024 after relegated Hwange’s 42 and bottom-placed Arenel Movers, who let in 44 goals.
Makepekepe were among the top scoring teams in the league with 38 goals yet they finished the campaign in ninth place.
CAPS United have since signed two goalkeepers including Ghanaian Stephen Odai Kwaku and highly-rated Harmony Nare from ZPC Hwange.
Kwaku, who was a member of the Ghana national team for the CHAN finals in Algeria last year, is a veteran goalkeeper with 11 international caps and a lot of top-flight football experience under his belt.
He arrived in Harare this week for pre-season training.
“The bottom line is we need to have a strong goalkeeping department to balance the squad. If you have been following, we are working on strengthening the whole team,” Dodzo said.
“That’s why we have brought in two very good goalkeepers to take those positions. I cannot speak on behalf of the coaches but I understand they are looking for two more young goalkeepers.”
Online Reporter