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Grace Chingoma Senior Sports Reporter
CAPS United have said they are ready for the Castle Premier Soccer League which has been scheduled to get underway on October 30.
The Green Machine are in the middle of a deal which will see major changes in the ownership structure of the club.
An agreement was reached with some new investors who are set to take a controlling stake in the private company which owns the club.
The top-flight league is expected to return, after close to a 24-month break, due to Covid-19.
The Chibuku Super Cup marked the return of top-flight football in May, but the tournament was disrupted after fresh lockdown measures were implemented.
However, the tournament is expected to return on September 29 and should be concluded the following month.
According to correspondence from the top-flight clubs, the Chibuku Super Cup will reach the quarter-finals before the league starts.
Delta Beverages have poured in US$3,3 million for the next three years.
The PSL will get US$1 130 000 per season.
“We hope we don’t have disruptions, playing in October, forcing the league to stretch,’’ said CAPS United vice-president, Nhamo Tutisani.
“We are as ready as one can be but we hope we can be better, and we are trying that, by going through the route of courting investors.”
Before they turn focus on the league, CAPS United will have to work their way up in the Chibuku Super Cup Group One, which is based in Harare.
They are in third place, with seven points, behind Yadah, who have eight points, and pacesetters Dynamos, on 11 points.
Harare City are on six points, ZPC Kariba on six and Herentals have two points.
“In the Chibuku Super Cup, we have to pull up our socks. We are not in a pleasing position and we have to work extra hard, and do better,” said Tutisani.
“We haven’t recorded any Covid cases but it is something which is bound to happen.
“We cannot run away from it but we can try to adhere to the health procedures and try to stay safe.”
The Premiership clubs were cleared to resume training on September 2, after conducting their Covid-19 tests.
The Chibuku Super Cup matches resume with Matchday 4 for Groups Two,Three and Four.
Group One, which has six teams and has played more games, resumes with Matchday 7.
Matchday 5 has been scheduled for October for Groups Two, Three and Four.
On the same day Group One, will be playing their Matchday 8 games.
October 9 has been set aside for the postponed Group One match between ZPC Kariba and Harare City.
Matchday 6 is on October 16 for Groups Two, Three and Four while Group One will fulfil their Matchday 9, on the same day.
On October 20, Matchday 5 will be staged for Groups Two, Three and Four while Group One will host Matchday 8.
The Chibuku Super Cup quarter-finals are set to be staged on October 23.
And, seven days later, the league chiefs are hoping to start this year’s Castle Lager Premiership marathon.
ZIFA have since communicated their position on the resumption of sport to all the affiliates.
In a correspondence early this month, the mother body requested all affiliates to send their submissions, by September 10.
“ZIFA is requesting all affiliates to provide detailed written submissions, regarding their preparedness and plans thereof, to guarantee and allow for the safe resumption of football.
“Your submissions should include a list of teams, vaccinated players and officials and proposed venues to be used.
“ZIFA will inquire to the SRC if there are any changes to the current Standard Operating Procedures being used.
“All submissions should be sent to the ZIFA Secretariat by the 10th of September 2021.’’
Online Reporter