Can CAPS make a double?

Eddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
CAPS United know that a win today against plucky Chicken Inn could breathe life into their quest to stage a dramatic comeback in the race for the Castle Lager Premiership title. The Green Machine, though, are likely to plunge into battle at the National Sports Stadium without key players Hardlife Zvirekwi and Arnold Chivheya who have been knocked down by injuries.

The duo was injured in the 2-1 win against the same opponents in a Mbada Diamonds Cup quarter-finals at Ascot on Saturday.
Chivheya, who only played the last 15 minutes of that match, is down with a back injury and has been ruled out from today’s tie while chances were slim yesterday that Zvirekwi will make it.

The Warriors utility player is nursing an ankle injury sustained in that victory over Chicken Inn.
The Harare giants will also miss midfielder Benson Maglas through suspension.

But the Green Machine camp was still high in confidence yesterday, clearly revitalised by their sweet and deserved victory over the Gamecocks, in that showdown on neutral soil in Gweru.

CAPS United had last beaten Chicken Inn in their debut season in 2011 when Evans Gwekwerere propelled them to glory in both fixtures.
But they were full value for their victory on Saturday, with a disciplined performance at the back, where ‘keeper Tafadzwa Dube was outstanding again as he produced another man-of-the-match performance.

Defensive midfielder, Tendai Samanja, was also outstanding on the afternoon.
As the teams come face-to-face again to revive their rivalry, for the second time inside five days, CAPS United assistant coach Saul Chaminuka said they still have scores to settle.

The hosts still feel the emotional scars of the defeat which Chicken Inn inflicted on them in the Net One Charity Shield final and the 0-1 loss at the hands of the Gamecocks in the first league encounter at Luveve early this year.

Chaminuka said even though CAPS United were at home, they would need to be at their very best as Chicken Inn are very difficult opponents to beat these days.

“It’s quite obvious that these guys were upset by the defeat we handed them at the weekend. They will be coming here in full force but we are very ready for them.

“In fact we are not finished with them because these guys took points from us in the first leg in Bulawayo and now it’s our chance to get them back,” said Chaminuka.

CAPS are currently fifth on the log table with 36 points, six behind log leaders Dynamos who play FC Platinum in a top-of-the-table encounter at Mandava.

Chicken In are just one place behind Makepekepe on goal difference as they have also amassed 36 points in 23 outings this season.
Coach Mandla Mpofu said Makepekepe should brace for a surprise in their backyard.

With no injuries or suspensions to bother him, Mpofu said the Gamecocks will be coming for revenge and yesterday sounded upbeat.
“You may call this a revenge match if you like but this is a different ball game altogether. It was disappointing that we lost to CAPS United in the Mbada Diamonds Cup and now we have a chance to hit back.

“We cannot play two games in quick succession and lose against the same opponents. This is a chance for us to surprise them in Harare.
“In fact that game is now history. The mood here is just fantastic and we are all looking forward to a good outing,” said Mpofu.

Chicken Inn have a strong side with potential match winners like Kuda Mahachi, Tendai Ndoro, Canaan Nkomo, Evans Chikwaikwai and Clement Matawu.

Across the city, Harare City will be hoping to pile the pressure on the log leaders when they host Black Mambas at Rufaro.
The Sunshine Boys dropped points in their last two league outings and are currently third on the log standings with 41 points.

City had dictated the pace early in the season and their coach Bigboy Mawiwi will be praying for a positive result while hoping for slip-ups by Dynamos and Highlanders.

Army side Black Rhinos will be at home at Rimuka where they host fellow soldiers Buffaloes.
Hwange will host Shabanie Mine in a battle of miners at the Colliery.

Fixtures

Today
Harare City v Black Mambas (Rufaro), Motor Action v How Mine (Motor Action Sports Club), CAPS United v Chicken Inn (NSS), Hwange v Shabanie Mine (Colliery), FC Platinum v Dynamos (Mandava), Black Rhinos v Buffaloes (Rimuka), Highlanders V Tripple B (Barbourfields)