Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo
Zimpapers Sports Hub
CELESTINO BENZA said Herentals will not be fooled by CAPS United’s erratic form when the Students take on the giants in a Premier Soccer League tie at Rufaro tomorrow.
The Green Machine have endured a difficult spell from which they have won just once in seven outings.
Herentals have failed to win in their last two games but it is CAPS United’s form that has come under close scrutiny after they fell four points off the pace, for the first time this season, following a flat goalless draw against minnows Agama last week.
With Makepekepe seemingly in a tight spot, Benza has refused to be swayed by that after insisting that the Green Machine are a big team who aren’t even far off the top.
“We are aware that CAPS United have been struggling a bit but look, they are a big team and when we are preparing to play a big team, we know what it means,” said Benza.
“CAPS United can never be judged on where they are on the log whether they are last or not. This is because they are a big team which can beat anyone any day.
“This season, they are actually flying and more dangerous even when they are coming from what you would call a dry spell.
“They are a big team. They have good players and a good coach. They are one of the favourites to clinch this year’s league title.
“So, we know we are not just going to Rufaro to play a normal game. It’s a big game against an exceptional team that has played very well this season.
“That’s how big this game is going to be. When I look at CAPS United, I see a team that has everything. I see a team that can compete. A team with a giant status. A team that can beat anyone.”
While acknowledging Makepekepe’s formidability, Benza said his boys are prepared well for the fixture.
Herentals have been punching well above their weight this season and are pretty much in the title conversations.
On 30 points, the Students are seven points behind pacesetters Scottland after 18 games.
They were unbeatable throughout last month before faltering against Scottland and dropping further points last week in their goalless draw at ZPC Kariba.
“Obviously, we will be looking at our own redemption,” Benza said.
“It’s a match that we know we have to do everything to win. We have gone through a rough patch of our own and we need to redeem ourselves.
“It’s been a difficult spell for us in the past two, three weeks. And we can’t continue on that path. We need to come to the party against CAPS United and see to it that we are back in it.
“The boys are looking eager at training and you know if these boys are up for it, we will be good to go.
“We are ready to take on CAPS United. Of course there are no easy games in the Premiership this season but we are really ready.”
