Sundaymail Editor
Don Makanyanga
Sports Reporter
SIX months into his rebuilding exercise in June last year, CAPS United coach Darlington Dodo was caught between a rock and a hard surface, as the coronavirus pandemic threatened to derail his plans.
Players demanded their salaries, while others demanded clearance letters to move on.
But the club chiefs threatened to expel the ring leaders behind the turmoil in the Green Machine camp.
As the chaos unfolded, Dodo seemed powerless.
He prayed that time would help heal the rift between players and management.
It is almost a year now since the incident which Dodo describes as “unfortunate”.
Thankfully for the unassuming and yet experienced coach, the players and management eventually smoked the peace pipe.
And that has given the former Gunners gaffer reason to smile and sleep well, as well as remain optimistic of even brighter days for the Premiership giants who were pipped for the title by FC Platinum on the final day of the 2019 campaign.
That was to be the last time the Premiership was played, as the 2020 season failed to kick off after the Covid-19 outbreak.
“It was an unfortunate incident. Both parties managed to resolve the issue. Confrontation is not the best way to resolve issues.
“The issue was solved in an amicable way and a good solution was found, something which is good for the brand. I am happy that both parties realised their mistakes and came together to address the issues. “The bosses are happy; so are the players,” said Dodo.
In anticipation for the 2020 season, Dodo and CAPS United had embarked on a massive recruitment exercise, with more than 15 players joining Makepekepe.
These included former Chicken Inn captain Innocent Mucheneka, Tatenda Tumba, Munyaradzi Diro-Nyenye, Ishmael Wadi who arrived from Harare City, the ex-Yadah pair of Leeroy Mavhunga and Enock Karembo, goalkeeper Wallace Magalane, Munyaradzi Kunyarimwe, Tafadzwa Jaravani and Carlos Mavhurume.
CAPS also managed to retain the bulk of players who were on their books.
Dodo is upbeat about the 2021 season, which will start with the Chibuku Super Cup that was unveiled on Thursday.
“We have managed to retain the players that we had last season. The project failed to kick-start last year but I am happy that we still have the boys we had in our plans, except Wallace Magalane and Newman Sianchali.
“We have brought in Simbarashe Chinani and Allan Tavarwisa to strengthen the team, and I am happy with the progress the team has shown since we started training,” said the coach.
He said his charges were now eager to resume action. The excitement and the buzz in their camp was easily noticeable as they went through their paces at the National Sports Stadium last week.
“We have been on the sidelines for a long time. Everyone is excited that football is back, and as you can see, the most excited pack are the players. This is what they live for.
“We have sat down with the players and we (technical team and management) all agreed on what we need to achieve as a team. Mind you, CAPS United is a big team; whatever competition we participate in, we always seek to do good.”
The format of the Super Cup means there will be an early Harare derby clash with city rivals Dynamos, as both sides are in a group that will be based in the capital.
“This arrangement is a first of its kind in the country and we couldn’t choose groups. From this, you can see that our group is one of the toughest, but as CAPS United we will go there and do what is expected of us.
“I think one of the two teams that is going to progress from this group stands a chance of winning the trophy.”
The 18 PSL teams have been divided into four groups.
National Sports Stadium will host Group One, whose other participants are Herentals, Harare City, ZPC Kariba and Yadah.
Group Two, which comprises Highlanders, Chicken Inn, Bulawayo Chiefs and Bulawayo City, will battle it out at Barbourfields Stadium.
Sakubva in Mutare will host Manica Diamonds, Tenax, Black Rhinos, Cranborne Bullets, while Mandava in Zvishavane has FC Platinum, Ngezi Platinum, Triangle, Whawha.
Online Reporter