Can caps be spoilers again?

Saul Mundandi Sports Reporter
CAN giants CAPS United play the party spoilers in the championship race again this year?

The spotlight falls on Makepekepe as they travel to Mandava this afternoon for a crucial league tie against title contenders FC Platinum.

The Green Machine have, in the last two seasons, caused heartbreaks after playing a huge role in deciding the destiny of the championship.

Last season, they shattered ZPC Kariba’s hopes when they defeated the power utility team 3-2 in the last match at Gwanzura to literally hand the title to old foes Dynamos, who had trailed by two points until the last day.

Makepekepe performed the same drama in 2013, when they drew 2-2 with Harare City in the decider at the National Sports Stadium, again allowing Dynamos to lift the silverware on goal difference.

Their coach Lloyd Chitembwe yesterday said FC Platinum, who are currently two points behind leaders Chicken Inn in the race with two games remaining, should prove themselves worthy champions.

“I want fair play to prevail. I wish FC Platinum all the best as they have the chance to win the championship, but they have to prove that in the field of play as we are going to give them a good run for their money.

“It is going to be a good match and for them to win the league they must show character and win, but I am praying to God that we leave Mandava with maximum points,” said Chitembwe.

CAPS United appear to have found a new lease of life under Chitembwe, but they are likely to find the going tough at Mandava where Norman Mapeza is yet to lose a league match since Week 9.

The platinum miners have only lost once at home to Highlanders in the Easycall Cup since then. Makepekepe will be looking for another top drawer performance following their 3-0 drubbing of How Mine in the midweek fixtures, with striker Dominic Chungwa getting rid of his demons when he scored his first hat-trick for Makepekepe.

Midfielder Joel “Josta” Ngodzo, who left the platinum miners in a huff two season ago, will want to prove to his former paymasters that he still has the touch that saw him being rated the most expensive player in the domestic league when he was signed for a whooping $80 000.

Ngodzo has been doing well playing in the rejuvenated CAPS United side that has also seen a remarkable transformation in players like Dominic Mukandi, Phineas Bhamusi, Hardlife Zvirekwi and Moses Muchenje.

Chitembwe has always given FC Platinum a torrid time and he enjoys playing at Mandava. The people in Zvishavane have been looking forward to see the glittering trophy making its way to the town for the first time ever since they missed the golden opportunity in their debut season in 2011 when they lost it to Dynamos on the last day.

The platinum miners, who are angling to dislodge log leaders Chicken Inn this afternoon, drew 1-1 against Flame Lily on Wednesday.

“My players are not under pressure at all. We have had a massive achievement because we started badly but look, for the past six weeks, we have been on number two. So there is no need for us to panic.

“We have young players and most of the players are acquainting themselves well and are now enjoying football. I am very proud of them and as a professional I still accept the results we get but every match we play we approach it with a positive mind,” said Mapeza.

“We have to remain focused and get a positive result tomorrow (today) and see what happens against Dongo Sawmill in our last game.

“I am leaving everything in the hands of God. He knows our destiny and we will keep on believing,” said Mapeza.

The former Warriors coach will be hoping that his goalkeeper, Petros Mhari, will be back in action after suffering an injury at Lafarge, the pitch he feels should be condemned as it is not suitable for the Premiership games.

He will also miss seasoned defender, Gift Bello, who is suspended after accumulating his sixth yellow card in the last match and Tarisai Rukanda, who is still injured.

The Moyo twins — Elvis and Kelvin, Raphael Muduviwa, Ian Nekati — are expected to take care of the defence while Winston Mhango and Gerald Takwara operate the midfield.

Forwards Marshall Mudehwe, Obrey Chirwa and Brian Muzondiwa are on song and are likely to give CAPS United a rude awakening.