CAPS’ BERLIN WALL

Bruce Chikuni 

THIS time, last season, CAPS United had won just once in the league and, in one horror afternoon, conceded SIX goals in Mutare.

The Green Machine slumped to a 2-6 thrashing, at the hands of a rampant Manica Diamonds, in Week Five of last year’s campaign.

They had also failed to win in four earlier matches – (0-0 against ZPC Kariba; 0-0 against Harare City; 1-1 against Black Rhinos and 0-0 against Ngezi Platinum Stars).

A 6-0 thrashing of Whawha, in their sixth game, did little to cover the glaring shortcomings of that difficult start of the campaign.

But, in football, just like in life, things change.

This year, Makepekepe are not only top of the table but they are yet to lose a match in the six games they have played in the league.

They have also conceded just ONE goal in 540 minutes of action, which translates into a goal every NINE hours. The only goal, which CAPS United have conceded, was scored by Perfect Chikwende from a play which was miles offside.

Only Highlanders have a similar impressive defensive record, of letting in just one goal, even though Bosso have played a game less than the Green Machine. Champions FC Platinum have conceded SIX goals, the same as Ngezi Stars and Dynamos have conceded three.

One of the main reasons CAPS have been impressive in defence has to be the arrival of Kelvin Madzongwe earlier this season.

The 32-year-old is the only central defender at the club who has seen every minute of action. 

Ben Musaka and Hastings Chapusha have been rotated to partner Madzongwe. 

Madzongwe now has to face the biggest rivals of them all when CAPS host Dynamos in the Harare Derby at the National Sports Stadium on Sunday. 

“I’m really excited about the opportunity because obviously CAPS United is a big brand,” he said when he was unveiled.

“So, definitely, playing for them is like playing for one of the biggest teams around, considering the history that they have and the calibre of players that have gone through CAPS United.

“It’s a huge honour to be here, my family was excited when I joined, mostly my dad because he has always been a huge CAPS United fan so for him, I think it’s one of those dreams that he has realised for me.”