Can Monoz stop Kepekepe?

CAPS United plunge into a tricky test against 2008 champions Monomotapa in a Castle Premiership tie at Rufaro this afternoon.
Moses Chunga’s side appear to have re-discovered their winning formula, of late, after collecting six points in grand style in their last two matches.
The Green Machine are coming from high-scoring wins in which they banged nine goals against Kiglon and Masvingo United.
The squad has been boosted by the return of Mapemba who had a dream game for the Warriors against Mali last Sunday.
The highly mobile rightback watched their last game against Masvingo from the terraces while serving suspension for accumulating three yellow cards.
His comeback might see Douglas Walaza either reverting to leftback position or being thrust into central defence.
Midfielder Stephen Alimenda is also set to return after missing the previous game on suspension.
And CAPS could also welcome midfielder Marvel Samaneka who has been struggling with injury.
Despite the wins against Kiglon and Masvingo coach Chunga believes the club still needs to do more to soak pressure that had been mounting after experiencing a barren spell in the last month.
“We shall keep working hard because we set ourselves a target at the beginning of the season. We want to archive that and we have to pick up points along the way,” said Chunga.
Makepekepe are now fourth on the table with 20 points.
But their opponents Monomotapa have been improving of late as they have not lost a game in their last five matches.
However, the big question is – Can they stop the Green Machine this afternoon?
Simba Sithole, who leads the race for the Golden Boot with 10 goals, is back at CAPS United as negotiations continue for his expected move to Mamelodi Sundowns.
Sithole struck a hattrick at the National Sports Stadium on Wednesday and has become a big drawcard.
Monomotapa have been finding it difficult to collect maximum points after drawing seven times and winning only three times in 12 starts.
But they appeared to have found the formula and were unlucky not to extend their winning streak to three games when they conceded a late goal in the 1-1 draw against Blue Ribbon on Wednesday.
Any team that can do well against Blue Ribbon needs to be respected and Monoz, to their credit, have always made life difficult for the giants of the local game.
Young Warriors midfielder Russell Madamombe, who is highly-rated, scored in the first half but Felix Kuswatuka equalised for Blue Ribbon with a few minutes remaining on the clock.
Monomotapa had beaten Black Mambas and Shooting Stars in their last matches.
Coach Taurai Mangwiro, whose stock continues to rise, and his assistants George Jojo and Nkululeko Dhlamini are aware of the big task at hand as they try to find a way to stop the Green Machine.
Monomotapa will miss leftback Hillary Mugoniwa and Blessing Berserk through injuries while Blessing Chimwamuchere is unavailable after he was shown a red-card in their last match against Blue Ribbon.
“We fancy our chances although we are playing a side that is coming from posting two very good results,” said Mangwiro.
“I have so much respect for their coach Chunga as a person and CAPS as a club but we need the points. We have done fairly well this season and hopefully we will get positive a result.
“We just need to improve our concentration levels at the back because we have been conceding soft goals,” he added.
Monomotapa are currently ninth on the table with 16 points.
They have been involved in more draws than any other team in the league this season with seven of their matches ending in a share of the spoils.
Motor Action forward Edmore Chitato says the defending champions are eyeing maximum points when they face unpredictable Kiglon at Gwanzura this afternoon.
The Mighty Bulls dropped crucial points in a goalless draw against Hwange during the midweek and their lead at the top of the table was slashed to two points, as a result.
Motor Action currently top the charts with 25 points, ahead of FC Platinum who beat Highlanders 2-0 on Wednesday to close the gap after the Bulls had drifted four points away from the chasing pack last week.
“It was disappointing to draw at home against Hwange but at the end of the day we have to understand that it was what God had planned for us,” said Chitato.
“Now we have to pick ourselves up and try as much to concentrate on collecting three points against Kiglon.
“They might not be one of the top teams in the league but we have to give them respect. Kiglon are very unpredictable.
“I was at the club last season but most of the players we played with are no longer there.
“It’s only the name that remains familiar. Otherwise they are a good team and could have surprises for us.”
Coach Joey Antipas revealed that midfielders Isaac Masame and Edward Tembo are still sidelined by injuries.
“We don’t depend on individuals at Motor Action, neither does our club have exceptional stars,” said Chitato.
“But we play as a team and that had been our strength.
“On any given day any player can carry the day for us.”
The Mighty Bulls, however, remain upbeat with Masimba Mambare and Allen Gahadzikwa set to get the task in the midfield against Zimbabwe youth internationals Charles Mukanhaire and Ngoni Maviri.
Industrious midfielder Conrad Whitby, who was suspended for the last game, is also available for selection this afternoon after missing the club’s 3-1 defeat at Chicken Inn during the midweek.
Kiglon had lost 5-1 to CAPS United before that match, leading to the decision for them to part ways with Rodwell Dhlakama and Partridge Muskwe.
Maxwell Takaendesa-Jongwe returned to lead the side last week and should be feeling the heat after losing his first assignment away to Chicken Inn.
Jongwe said they were looking forward to the challenge and has a full squad at his disposal.
“Motor Action are just one of the teams in the league and I have said it before that no lion is better than the other in the jungle.
“We play in the same league and we have to face them. It’s anybody’s game. Hopefully we will be able to get a positive result at home,” said Jongwe.
Harare giants Dynamos will also be back on the hunt tomorrow when they face Misheck Chidzambwa’s Blue Ribbon at Rufaro.
DeMbare, who are gearing up for next week’s Harare derby against CAPS United, boosted their morale with a 4-1 thrashing of Black Mambas on Thursday.
“We are looking forward to that match. Blue Ribbon have some good players and are a strong side. They beat big teams like CAPS and Highlanders and we will treat them with the respect they deserve.
“The good thing is our team is scoring again and we need to be consistent,” said assistant coach Ralph Kawondera.
Chidzambwa, who was at Rufaro on Thursday to watch Dynamos against Mambas, should be searching for clues to stop a winless run of four games, that has seen them dropping into 11th place from the top five last month.
Poor travellers Masvingo return to their fortress at Mucheke to host Chicken Inn tomorrow.
Luke Masomere and his charges are hoping to regroup following their big defeat at the hands of CAPS United on Wednesday.
Yuna Yuna, who are still to win an away match, have played badly in Harare this season as they went down by big margins after losing 5-1 to Dynamos, 3-0 to Black Mambas and most recently 4-1 to CAPS United.
But their home record has been impressive after winning five times and drawing once in their six matches at their Mucheke strong-hold.
Masomere, who missed five key players during the midweek game, indicated that the defeat to CAPS was a setback but he remained confident ahead of the home tie against Chicken Inn.
“It’s very difficult when you suddenly miss the bulk of your players. It happens in football but we have to look ahead with confidence,” said Masomere.

Fixtures

Today
Kiglon v Motor Action (Gwanzura), Monomotapa v CAPS United (Rufaro).

Sunday
Hwange v FC Platinum (Colliery), Highlanders v Zimbabwe Saints (Barbourfields), Dynamos v Blue Ribbon (Rufaro), Masvingo v Chicken Inn (Mucheke), Shabanie Mine v Shooting Stars (Maglas), Gunners v Black Mambas (Lafarge).