Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi
Zimpapers Sports Hub
CAPS United’s quest for silverware faces another stern test when they host ZPC Kariba in a Chibuku Super Cup quarter-final at Rufaro tomorrow.
The Green Machine are coming from a high intensity Harare Derby that ended in a 1-1 draw.
Makepekepe have also advanced to the quarter-finals of the inaugural Munhumutapa Challenge Cup.
Coach Takesure Chiragwi insists there is no room for error as his side turn attention to the Chibuku Super Cup.
The CAPS United gaffer believes his players have recovered well from the physical demands of the derby and are ready for the challenge posed by ZPC Kariba.
“I think so far so good,” he said.
“I want to thank God to have this opportunity again to participate in the Chibuku Super Cup.
“We are happy because some of the players who were nursing some injuries are back.
“Last week some participated against Dynamos where we wanted to see their level of recovery and we were happy how they came and responded very well.
“So, I think we’ve got a good squad that is going to compete.
“The preparations are going on very well and we just hope that until Friday or Saturday we have a very good, healthy team that is going to do the work for CAPS United.”
Tinotenda Meke, Cris Mugalu, Kundai Benyu, Kudzai Chigwida and Chitoshi Chinga have all recovered from their injuries and are expected to strengthen the squad.
Only a handful of players remain unavailable.
“It’s only Washington Arubi who is still out and Brian Kadamanja. Kunaishe Chando has also picked a knock but he has recovered.
“I think he started light training yesterday (Wednesday).
“He has recovered very well. But these are the only ones who are injured and also Tanaka Shandirwa is still nursing his injury again.
“But the rest of the squad, I think they are available,” said Chiragwi.
Having fallen out of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title race, CAPS United are now pinning their hopes on the cup competitions.
They reached the Chibuku Super Cup quarter-finals after edging Simba Bhora 3-2 in a thrilling first-round encounter, with Meke grabbing a dramatic winner in the 90th minute.
Chiragwi believes home advantage tomorrow could play a crucial role as Makepekepe seek to enhance their chances of lifting the Chibuku trophy for the first time.
“Obviously, when we talk about the fans, I feel like we are now playing to our best because those are most precious people to us,” he said.
“I always challenge them every time. I always urge them to come in numbers to make sure that the team will do well, and they have been doing that, to be honest.
“That’s the reason why we are back to ourselves.
“It’s the because of the support they have been giving to us and we promise them to make sure that as much as they want to win, also us as players and the technical team, we are also geared up to make sure that we come up with a positive result so that we can also progress to the next round,” said Chiragwi.
However, CAPS United can expect a tough challenge from ZPC Kariba, who knocked out Ngezi Platinum Stars on their own turf in the first round.
Chibuku Super Cup fixtures
Tomorrow: CAPS United v ZPC Kariba (Rufaro)
Sunday: Dynamos v FC Hunters (Rufaro)
Highlanders v MWOS (Barbourfields)
Wednesday: Scottland v Hardrock (Rufaro)
