Online Reporter
Mugove Chigada and Veronica Gwaze
Zimpapers Sports Hub
WHEN CAPS United march into Rufaro today, it will mark the beginning of a new era for this Castle Lager Premier League clash.
For the record, since Norman Mapeza took charge at FC Platinum in 2014, and Lloyd Chitembwe at CAPS United a year later, this fixture has had at least one of those familiar faces in the dugout — with the exception of just one league meeting.
That meeting came on 14 December 2019, when Mapeza had departed for Chippa United in South Africa, while Chitembwe had taken the reins at Harare City.
Memories of Lizwe Sweswe guiding FC Platinum to a 1-0 away victory over Darlington Dodo’s CAPS United remain vivid for supporters on that odd afternoon — the only match out of a possible 18 that did not feature either Mapeza or Chitembwe.
Both coaches would soon return in the post-Covid-19 era to resume their rivalry, a contest that has rarely been short on quality.
That 12-year era — during which CAPS United lifted one title while FC Platinum claimed four — has come to an end, at least for now.
Much has changed since then.
Takesure Chiragwi has since taken over at CAPS United, and the Premiership giants look increasingly poised to challenge for honours.
At FC Platinum, Joel Luphahla has also succeeded Mapeza and has been trying to find his feet since the beginning of the season.
The Chiragwi-Luphahla rivalry begins, albeit with something of a false start.
Chiragwi, away on national duty with the Warriors, will look to his assistant Ian Bakala to inspire the team.
Can he deliver?
“We are not looking at the table at the moment because every game is now becoming more difficult and tougher,” Bakala said.
“You find that when you watch other teams, they do not perform the way they do when we play them so we really need to brace for tough tests but I think this game will get us back to where we belong.”
While they have made their PSL title ambitions known since the season kick-off, CAPS are targeting the completion of the first round of games on top of the log.
Bakala notes that, while staying at the top always comes with pressure to be consistent, his men are strong-minded and ready to dominate.
“Our objective is to finish the first round at the top of the table. Yes, we have lost four points in two games which is something that we just have to accept but our eyes are still on the big prize,” added Bakala.
“Looking at the morale and mentality of the players, everyone is self-motivated and from my observation, they are bouncing back in this coming game because a lot is at stake.
“Platinum are a big team; they are former champions and it will not be easy for us but I think it is not going to change the way we planned with the coach and the programme he has given us.”
The Zvishavane based miners have 19 points and will be hoping to cover the gap with a win this afternoon.
Based on history, the two sides have faced off 26 times, with CAPS United winning seven outings and FC Platinum six times while 13 encounters ended in draws.
FC Platinum scored 26 goals in all these games while CAPS United found the back of the net 25 times.
However, this year, a lot has changed at both sides who are now under new technical set-ups and playing personnel.
After enduring a congested fixture last week, playing three games in seven days, Makepekepe have largely been focusing on recovery as they sort to deal with possible fatigue.
Bakala admits that this year there is increased competition in the league, resulting in increased intensity.
