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Eddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
CAPS United goalkeeper Tafadzwa Dube says the Green Machine want to stop the trend of playing second fiddle to Dynamos in the semi-finals of the ZNA Charities at the National Sports Stadium on Sunday.The two Harare giants were this year incorporated into the tournament and will now resume their rivalry earlier than had been anticipated this year after the organisers included them in the tournament.
The ZNA Charities match usually features the army teams and CAPS United will be involved for the second year running after winning the one-off final against Black Rhinos last year.
Highlanders and FC Platinum will feature in another semi-final tie at Barbourfields on Sunday, with winners set to clash in the final on a date to be advised.
However, Dube yesterday said the Green Machine will not take their game against DeMbare lightly, despite it being a charity match, as they seek ways to emerge from the shadows of their opponents.
Dynamos have dominated the meetings between the two rivals in the last four years, winning most of the contests in all competitions.
Dube said Makepekepe wanted to end that dominance.
“We always take our matches against Dynamos seriously no matter it is a league game, friendly or Cup game,” said Dube, who also played for DeMbare, and was dropped to the bench for the Green Machine tie against Rhinos.
“So we are looking forward to one big game and we are hoping to play well. What makes it interesting is that neither we nor them would want to lose a match when the two sides meet. But, obviously, coming from a victory in our last match at the weekend, we will be hoping to ride on that. Everyone is bracing for a tough match and it’s good we all have our heads up. Usually it’s about how you play on the day but one thing we are aiming for is to stop this trend, as Dynamos have dominated us in the past few seasons.”
CAPS United continued with their preparations yesterday with spirits high following a 2-0 win over Rhinos which lifted them above Dynamos with one point advantage in the mid-table.
Coach Taurai Mangwiro, however, had to do without some of his key players like Ronald Pfumbidzai and Hardlife Zvirekwi who are currently in camp with the national team. Defender Stephen Makatuka also received a late call although he will be training with the Warriors from home after national team coach Ian Gorowa indicated he wanted to have a look at the player.
Team manager Luis Maio said the Green Machine had enough depth in the event that their three players are included in Gorowa’s final 18 squad when the team is trimmed tomorrow.
They were also encouraged by the imminent return of captain Tapiwa Khumbuyani, who suffered an ankle injury last week.
Online Reporter