Online Reporter
Bruce Chikuni
Sports Reporter
IAN Bakala knows that a second straight league will be a huge boost in his mission to transform CAPS United into a competitive outfit once again.
The Green Machine are yet to win two games on the bounce since the championship race started in March.
They have a chance to do it tomorrow when they host Chicken Inn at Rufaro.
Bakala guided his team to an impressive away win over Manica Diamonds at Sakubva in their last game.
The Zambian gaffer would have preferred that his men keep the momentum by plunging into another game quickly but the international fixtures meant that was not possible.
Midfielder Tanaka Shandirwa, who is slowly getting to his best levels, was the hero of their win over the Gem Boys.
But, it was tricky winger Tendai Matindife who caught the eye again and sources at CAPS United say he has been boosted by the message from Bakala that he wants to make him a key member of the Green Machine.
There is no questioning Matindife’s talent but there have been questions about his attitude and, in Bakala, he appears to have found a coach who wants to really make him a star.
Joel Luphahla will take his champions to Barbourfields for a clash against his boyhood club Highlanders on Sunday.
The two sides have met four times and the visitors have won twice, drawn once, and lost once.
Simba Bhora are yet to record a victory at Barbourfields.
“I think it’s going to be a bittersweet reunion for me but, at the end of the day, I have a job to do for the club, and I hope the boys are ready,” said Luphahla.
“We have four players who were on national duty – Junior Makunike and Tinotenda Meke – and they have already started training, Donald Mudadi and Isheanesu Mauchi are expected to land today (yesterday) from Morocco.
“We are a bit worried about their availability for this fixture because they have to be assessed first before we consider them ready for selection.”
He added.
“We are going there for three points, we are in a marathon and we need to put pressure on the leading teams.
“There are fixtures that appear easy on paper but are different on the ground.”
derick.khumalo