adminThe Green Machine, who have won both games since Mangwiro returned to the bench after winning his battle against his Asiagate suspension, face Chicken Inn in Bulawayo tomorrow.
Mangwiro was treated like a King by the Makepekepe faithful who welcomed him with both hands in his first home game since his return from the ban.
And he appeared to immediately repay them for the support they provided him, during his months in exile, as his team turned on their best performance of the season to destroy Black Mambas 4-1.
That they were not without their two best players of their campaign so far, striker Tawanda Nyamandwe and midfielder Hardlife Zvirekwi, who were away on national duty in Zambia, made the CAPS United performance very impressive.
Speedy forward Dominic Chungwa, who has the build, pace and sharpness in front of goal that reminds the CAPS United fans of Nyasha Mushekwi, was the destroyer-in-chief with a hattrick for his fourth goal in two matches.
He also scored in the 2-1 win over How Mine in Bulawayo.
It is really looking good for Makepekepe these days but the team faces a tough match tomorrow when they travel to the Gamecocks were stunned by winless Hwange despite dominating the game at the colliery.
Mangwiro, who has a lot of friends because of the calm manner he conducts his business, is aware of the threat posed by Mandla Mpofu’s charges.
Mangwiro said while they are enjoying a good run, there was still a lot of work to be done and they will not be carried away by the current results.
“We are encouraging the team to continue working hard at training and in matches and that is the only way they will improve,” said Mangwiro.
“We did well at the weekend and the difference was on our conversion. We have been bemoaning about missing some chances every week and the good thing is that Chungwa (Dominic) and Fiyado (Leonard) who haven’t been scoring, scored at the weekend and that’s a good start.
“We know that Chicken Inn are not a bad side despite losing some points in the previous matches.”
The in-form team of the moment, Buffaloes, notched their fourth win in a row as they erased the memories of the first two defeats.
The soldiers, powered by their impressive leftback Farai Banda who has now scored four goals, have a hectic week when they first host fellow army side Black Rhinos before traveling to Bulawayo for a clash against Highlanders.
Coach Saul Chaminuka believes these two matches inside four days will test their strength and prove whether the current run is genuine or just a fluke.
“We started badly this season losing our opening two matches which we played within a week and it was really painful,” said the under-rated coach.
“But from there we picked consistency and have won four matches. The team has found its rhythm but the game against Black Rhinos on Thursday and Highlanders at the weekend should really test our strength.
“We are doing well and God has been good to us. We are just praying that we win the next four matches and then we would be very happy.
“Farai Banda is our main man now. He is in good form and very consistent. He is young player, promising and has featured in all the matches since the pre-season friendly matches.”
FC Platinum coach, Tennant Chilumba, says Dynamos cannot be champions forever and their dominance over them will come to an end tomorrow tomorrow when they clash at Rufaro.
The champions recorded their first victory at the weekend against newboys Tripple B in Zvishavane.
Now the Harare giants welcome the early pacesetters, who have struggled and have never celebrated a victory against Dynamos, since they were promoted into the top-flight three years ago.
However, FC Platinum’s Zambian coach, believes history is for the archives and tomorrow’s tie would be a new challenge.
“Each game is a new match for us this season. We are not looking into history here, so l don’t think they would be champions forever and even us when we win the league we will not remain the champions forever,” said Chilumba.
“The FC Platinum record speaks for itself, they are one of the most organised teams in the Premiership and have won some trophies and have done very well in the few years they have been playing in the league.
“The morale is high among the players and the team spirit should carry the day for us.
“The good part is we are not under pressure going into this match and we will just go and play our game.
“We watched Dynamos when they played Tripple B here, they are a good team and were just going through a bad patch.”
The coach welcomes back his trusted scorer Nelson Maziwisa and Kelvin Moyo who were away with the Warriors in Zambia.
Chilumba said he was charmed by the performance of striker Donald Ngoma and midfielder Joel Ngodzo in the 3-0 victory over Triangle.
“Nelson and Kelvin are back and it is a morale booster for us. But l was really happy with the replacements, they did well, Donald is now hundred percent fit and fully recovered,” said Chilumba.
While the platinum miners are plotting for the Glamour Boys downfall, the champions believe the dark days are past them and are looking at posting their second victory when they host the Zvishavane side.
Dynamos team manager Richard Chihoro said they expect a tough and exciting game and are obviously fired up after the weekend’s result.
The team, which spent the greater part of yesterday travelling from Zvishavane, will today have a morning session at Rufaro.
Coach Callisto Pasuwa will have to assess the duo of Augustine Mbara and Devon Chafa who were expected to arrive yesterday from Lusaka.
Fixtures
Tomorrow: Shabanie Mine v Hwange (Maglas), Chicken Inn v CAPS United (Luveve), Black Mambas v Harare City (Morris Depot), Dynamos v FC Platinum (Rufaro), Triangle v Monomotapa (Gibbo), Tripple B v Highlanders (Mandava).
Thursday: How Mine v Motor Action (Luveve), Buffaloes v Black Rhinos (Sakubva).
Online Reporter