adminAugustine Hwata Senior Sports Reporter
THE biggest soccer match this weekend is the high-profile Battle of Zimbabwe between Highlanders and Dynamos at Barbourfields while the Zvishavane derby pitting FC Platinum and Shabanie Mine could also provide a big side show.
However, this does not mean that the capital city, will be starved of action as CAPS United host How Mine in a dress rehearsal of their meeting in the Mbada Diamonds Cup semi-final while Harare City could go top of the log, albeit for 24 hours, if they beat Buffaloes.
CAPS United will face tricky opponents How Mine, a side that has developed a knack of producing giant-killing acts, in a league match at the National Sports Stadium this afternoon.
How Mine might be making their maiden season in the Premiership but the gold miners have the services of veterans like Herbert Dick, Menard Mupera, goalkeeper Ephraim Mazarura, Gilbert Banda, Khumbulani Banda and Thembani Masuku.
There is also the predatory striker Simba Sithole.
Already they have floored Dynamos twice while they have also claimed the scalp of city rivals Highlanders, twice, giving every reason for CAPS United to feel butterflies in their stomach. Last week a venomous 4-1 sting from Black Mambas at Morris Depot virtually ended CAPS United’ slim hopes for the league title this season but assistant coach Saul Chaminuka is hopeful that they will bounce back this afternoon.
“How Mine are a strong team but we have prepared well. We learnt our lessons from the last game against Mambas and this week we have been preaching the importance of bouncing back after a defeat,” said Chaminuka.
CAPS United will welcome Tendai Samanja, who missed the last game because of suspension, while they will also hope Arnold Chivheya and Leonard Fiyado will add strength to their defence.
Chaminuka challenged his players to improve their accuracy in front of goal after missing numerous chances against Warumwa Warumwa. “The team is playing well and if only we can improve our conversion rate. We lost that game against Black Mambas because we couldn’t score despite creating more chances than them.”
Online Reporter