Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
CAPS UNITED travelled almost 1 000 kilometres to and from Triangle midweek and their players looked fatigued, but the Harare giants still managed to floor moneybags Hardrock at Rufaro yesterday and maintain a perfect start to the 2026 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season.
Bulawayo giants Highlanders also clocked nearly 1 000 kilometres on the road, but former Zimbabwe captain Benjani Mwaruwari was left searching for his first win as Bosso coach.
Highlanders did well to restrict 2024 champions Simba Bhora, but they could not breach the hosts’ defence as they settled for a goalless draw at Wadzanayi.
Another former Warriors international, Joel Luphahla, endured a frustrating afternoon as he saw his FC Platinum twice blow their lead when being held 2-2 by visiting TelOne at Mandava.
But the real deal was always at Rufaro where CAPS United’s unbeaten start came under scrutiny as much as Kelvin Kaindu’s remarkable run.
Ishmael Wadi scored after only two minutes before substitute Allen Mukombedzi headed home the second after the re-start.
CAPS United have now recorded four wins in as many matches and yesterday’s win against highly rated Hardrock delivered a perfect birthday present for club chief executive officer Morton Dodzo, who turned 40.
With the win, youthful Makepekepe coach Takesure Chiragwi became the first man to beat Zambian gaffer Kaindu in 20 games, stretching from when he was still at Dynamos last season. Despite their blistering start, Chiragwi wants his charges to remain grounded.
“After that game (against Herentals), we played against Triangle. It was also tough and also the travelling.
“Then with only two days’ rest in between. But if we can try and fight, this is the character that we need.”
CAPS United winger Wadi was fired up yesterday, especially in the second half.
His full-bloodied volley drew a fine save from Tonderai Mateyaunga in the 73rd minute, while his mazy runs on the left flank won him many hearts.
By the 75th minute, CAPS United fans in the City End grandstand at Rufaro were singing Wadi’s name.
A few moments later, Mukombedzi headed home the second goal.
“What else do you ask as a coach, you just need to congratulate the boys and make sure they get enough rest during this international break,” said Chiragwi.
“I think this is the only way that we are going to recover. But for today, we need to thank God, we need to thank the players, their effort and everything. And also we need to thank our sponsors.’’
CAPS United, with 12 points, will now go into the international break leading the log table.
Kaindu felt Hardrock were the better side despite the loss.
“We have to regroup. Sometimes it’s better when you lose early so that you don’t disrupt the rhythm when you’re winning.
“Despite the scoreline, I don’t think it’s a true reflection of what was on the field.
“In terms of playing, I think we looked far much better than United. They capitalised on our defensive errors on both goals that we conceded. I’m sure we could have done better.”
Benjani walking on thin ice
For a man who is a match away from his first Bosso performance review meeting, Mwaruwari is walking on thin ice. Yesterday’s draw at Wadzanayi takes Bosso’s points tally to four from an equal number of games after drawing 1-1 at home to Bulawayo Chiefs, 2-2 away to Dynamos and 0-0 against MWOS at home.
When Mwaruwari was signed by Highlanders at the start of the season, the agreement was to have his first review after five games while a leeway could be stretched to 10 to give him room to settle and meet the target. Despite the precarious position he finds himself in, he remains calm.
“This game was tough for us, we have been affected by too much travelling in a short space of time, so for me, it is a point gained,” he said.
Relentless efforts from both ends failed to yield a goal.
“I think we dropped two points, we have not yet won at home and now that is the pressure we have, we need to start collecting maximum points in our backyard,” said Simba Bhora coach Mandla Mpofu.
“There are just a few areas that we need to work on, and I am glad that the international break came at such a time and it allows us room to work our issues.
“We are playing a very good game, I am satisfied with the team we have built. Our eyes are on the big one and I believe mental strength is the only thing that can take us there because technically we have the arsenal.’’
Luphahla rues defensive lapses
FC Platinum’s early season wobble deepened at Mandava yesterday after they twice surrendered the lead and shared the spoils with winless TelOne.
This was a match the four-time champions needed to close out.
Instead, it exposed the same problem that has crept into their opening assignments, an inability to protect leads and see games through at home.
Tadiwa Muchenje opened the scoring for the hosts with a clean long-range strike, the kind that usually settles a side.
But that control faded quickly as Bruno Mtigo slipped in, to level matters inside 17 minutes, punishing a lapse that Luphahla will not be able to ignore.
Garikayi Dematsika restored the lead just before the break, finishing off a strong first half in which Platinum had done enough to suggest they would push on. They did not.
TelOne returned with more urgency and pinned the hosts back for long stretches of the second half.
The pressure kept building and eventually told. Substitute Blessing Matebeck rose highest to head in the equaliser seven minutes from time, completing a comeback that had been coming.
“We are disappointed as a team, for me as the leader of the team, I’m very disappointed,” said Luphahla.
“We scored twice, but failed to defend. We cannot play like that at home. We even had the chance to finish the game, but we wasted it and when you play like that it becomes difficult.’’
Tinaye Agere