adminGrace Chingoma Senior Sports Reporter
CAPS United coach Mark Mathe expects a tough Castle Lager Premiership tie against Harare City at Rufaro today and believes his charges will be underdogs going into the contest.
The match would be first league tie for the former Highlanders coach in the hot seat following the departure of Mark Harrison during the break.
“It is a very tough game indeed, taking into account that it is a derby match and players know each other very well,” said Mathe.
“Harare City will start as favourites because they are above us on the table and before the break they had a good run and also they have a good coach.
“I would be lying to say there is no pressure. For me football is a pressure game. I can take it. I can handle it.
“What is crucial is to play and win the matches.
“We are looking at our own vision and target and we would want to get maximum points and compete well in league matches. The fans have been disappointed for some time now and we have to start making them happy.”
Mathe said their international friendly match last weekend in Mozambique against Chingale de Tete might have helped them.
“Our trip to Mozambique was fruitful. We got to try some players who haven’t played for some time and also try some new combinations.
“The break was a blessing in disguise as some of the players got to recover from injuries,” said Mathe.
CAPS United will miss Malawian international George Nyirenda, who is suspended while skipper Hardlife Zvirekwi and Carlton Munzwambwa are back from injuries.
A host of CAPS United players crossed to Harare City and will face their former team today but Sunshine Boys assistant coach Mkhupali “Mr Cooper” Masuku said the match was just like any other game.
“We have been preparing like we are preparing for any other match and at the end of the day we expect to collect three points,” said Masuku.
“A lot has changed at CAPS United and there is now new playing and technical personnel, so it is not going to be an easy game for us.
“Players change teams every now and then and it is up to individuals to play well. CAPS United have been doing well lately.
“However, a big worrying factor is the break and that we might lose shape but we have to worry about things we can control and, hopefully, we will continue from where we left before the break.”
Harare City midfielder Talent Chawapiwa has started light training.
Hibron Makukutu will miss the game after picking an injury during a practice match against How Mine last weekend.
Arnold Chivheya is still suspended.
Elsewhere, Chicken Inn face Dongo Sawmill at Luveve today and Gamecocks coach Joey Antipas said they need to work hard for victory.
“It was a welcome break but now we are trying to get back to normal. We are up against Dongo Sawmill, who have been doing well away from home, so we have to go into the match with the right attitude.
“As long as we have the right mentality, we would go back to winning ways as we were before the break, but all the teams need to be treated with respect.
“Being on top comes with pressure and every team wants to beat you but we have to take it within our stride and handle the pressure,” he said.
Sunday Chidzambwa begins life with ZPC Kariba tomorrow when they face Triangle at Gibbo.
Triangle coach Kelvin Kaindu said he respects the veteran coach.
“It would be the first game after the break and the response to it would be important,” said the Zambian.
“ZPC Kariba was the second best team last season and has lost some shape.
“They have a new coach who is experienced and will give them motivation and we have to be very cautious.
“We managed to get some rest for a few days and then regrouped during the break and we are prepared for the game.”
Triangle will miss the duo of Jimmy Dzingai and Makundi Sakala, who are injured while Jimmy Tigere is suspended.
Online Reporter