Eddie Chikamhi
Zimpapers Sports Hub
CAPS Utd………………………………………………. 0
Simba Bhora…………………………………………. 0
GIANTS CAPS United and 2024 champions Simba Bhora served up a disappointing stalemate as they played out a goalless draw in a drab Castle Lager Premiership encounter at Rufaro yesterday.
Neither side showed enough attacking ambition to merit maximum points, with chances few and far between in a match largely dominated by defensive discipline rather than attacking flair.
While CAPS United midfielders Kundai Benyu and Lloyd Njaliwa tried to inject some urgency into the hosts’ play, Simba Bhora’s backline stood firm throughout.
Veteran defender Webster Tafa, alongside imposing centre-back pairing Lawrence Chaziya and Kennedy Eib, marshalled the defence superbly to frustrate the Green Machine.
CAPS United, depleted by injuries and illness, struggled to break down a well-organised Simba Bhora side. Coach Takesure Chiragwi attributed his team’s flat display to the psychological effects of last week’s Munhumutapa Challenge Cup elimination at the hands of FC Hunters.
“I think we need to appreciate the effort from the boys. Coming from the game we played in the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup, psychologically it was difficult to get them back, especially during training,” said Chiragwi.
“But I think we did well today. We can’t say we lost two points because we were playing a team that also wanted to win. The boys worked hard and pushed throughout.
“We need to keep motivating them so that we finish the season in a respectable position.
“Of course, when you are playing at home, you want to take advantage and collect maximum points. But at times you also have to appreciate a point because it adds to your tally.”
The result lifted Makepekepe one place up the table to fifth position on 48 points, extending their unbeaten run in the league to five matches and keeping alive hopes of a top-four finish.
CAPS United were forced to reshuffle their leadership structure, with regular captains Richard Hachiro, Kudzai Chigwida and Bruce Kangwa all unavailable because of fitness
Despite seeing his side extend an unwanted winless run to eight matches, Simba Bhora coach Mandla Mpofu was content with a point away from home.
“A point gained; I think. It was not an easy game for us,” said Mpofu.
“Coming from a loss, it was always going to be difficult against CAPS United. Our games against CAPS are normally entertaining and competitive.
“I thought we maintained a good structure, particularly in the first half, although we didn’t attack enough. We had one opportunity where I felt McCartney could have done better.
“In the second half we became more aggressive going forward and, on another day, Harrison scores from that one-on-one situation. He did everything right but missed by inches.
“Overall, we showed very good organisation, especially in the last 20 minutes when we came under pressure.”
