adminDon Makanyanga
This past week, it was business as usual for Caps United as coach Lloyd Chitembwe presided over what could be his last training session with the Harare Giants.
Chitembwe chose to be diplomatic in his responses and could neither confirm nor deny his reported departure.
He chose to dwell on the match between Caps United and Highlanders this afternoon and remained mum on whether he will be leaving for Harare City or not.
“I am still committed to the cause at Caps United,” said Chitembwe.
In what could be his last match with the Green Machine, Chitembwe is expecting a tough encounter with Highlanders who are unbeaten in their last five matches.
“We want to get a positive result and we are aware that it is not an easy task, especially playing a team like Highlanders.
“However, our season target is winning the championship.
“We are now in the second half of the season and we have demanded consistency from the team.
“If we are to get to where we would want to be at the end of the season, we need to play with ambition,” said Chitembwe.
Caps United are currently second on the log table, four points behind leaders FC Platinum who take on Triangle FC this afternoon at Gibbo Stadium.
As for Highlanders, interim coach Mandla Mpofu, who is yet to taste defeat since taking over from Madinda Ndlovu last month, is hoping for his first win away from Barbourfields.
He is also targeting to end his team’s seven match winless streak against Caps United in the capital.
“We are searching for our first win away from home, which is the most important thing for us at the moment,” said Mpofu.
“I challenged the boys to get those three points away from home,” he said.
The first instalment of the Battle of Cities ended in a nil-all draw at Barbourfields on April 4.
Mpofu is looking forward to an exciting return leg with the Harare Giants at the National Sports Stadium today.
“A match between Highlanders and Caps United is always big, regardless of the form of either team.
“We are ready for the challenge,” said Mpofu.
The Bosso interim coach acknowledged that the match is not going to be easy since his side last recorded a victory against Caps United at the National Sports Stadium in August 2012.
“Caps United have been performing better than Highlanders. I have to acknowledge that it will take a great deal of effort if we are to catch up with them.
“But in as much as we carry the underdog tag, no team should take us lightly. We can turn the tables and considering that we picked six points in the last two games, this can be a motivator,” said Mpofu.
Online Reporter