Caps confident ahead of Bosso tie

Ricky Zililo Sports Reporter
CAPS United FC captain Tapiwa Khumbuyani yesterday declared that they are going to emerge victorious against Highlanders at Barbourfields Stadium tomorrow.In a telephone interview from his Harare base Khumbuyani said tomorrow’s friendly match would give them an opportunity to shrug off some rust that had gathered due to the Premiership break which was prompted by the national team’s African Nations Championships commitment.

The last time the two teams met in a league match at Bulawayo the match ended in a goalless draw.
“We have had a very long break and this game is very important to us in that it will help us shape up. We need the game time to stay fit and I think Highlanders are going to give us a good game as we are also going to give a good display.

“Unlike the last time when we created lots of chances but failed to convert, this time around I am confident that we are going to win,” said Khumbuyani.

The Harare giants will be without goalkeeper Tafadzwa Dube, defender Hardlife Zvirekwi and striker Dominic Chungwa for their Bosso encounter.

The Caps United gaffer Taurai Mangwiro is expected to give some of his mid-season signings who include former Monomotapa midfielder Brian Mapfumo, club returnee Leonard Tsipa, Gerald Phiri and Hardman Muchiso who came from Mwenezana.

They also have a number of seasoned campaigners like Rahman Kutsanzira, Khumbuyani, Ronald Pfumidzayi, Arnold Chiveya, Moses Muchenje, Tawanda Nyamandwe and Joseph Mutambiranwa.

Caps United should also be prepared to eat humble pie as Highlanders are eager to restore lost confidence following a string of poor results.

Highlanders’ coach Kelvin Kaindu indicated that he would give some of the new signings game time against Caps United.
Highlanders followers will get a chance to watch Tinashe Chipunza and striker Master Masitara who joined Bosso during the mid-season break.

Meanwhile, the Caps United chief executive manager Joe Makuvire urged their supporters to come in their numbers for the game.
He said Makepekepe enjoyed a good relationship with Highlanders and the game was also meant to cement the friendship that they have with Bosso.

“There is this thing between us and Highlanders, we are competitive friends. That is why it is important that we extend this friendship even at a time when the games are at a break.

“We have played them in England exhibiting Zimbabwean football and over the years we used to live under the shadow of Highlanders on the field of play but this time around we managed to get more points from them.

“This match besides the fact that we are keeping our players fit, we want to give both Highlanders and Caps United fans an opportunity to see how competitive their clubs are.

“At the end of the day football must be the winner,” Makuvire said.