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Eddie Chikamhi Harare Bureau
CAPS United return home tomorrow with their fans in Harare set to see a new-look side transformed by the boardroom changes that have happened at the Green Machine in the past two weeks.The last time Makepekepe played at home, they were a poor clone of the Green Machine, as they crashed 0-2 at the hands of Chapungu, amid turmoil in their camp.
The unrest was being fuelled by the club’s failure to pay the players their dues and morale was very low.
However, things took a dramatic turn in the CAPS United camp following a crucial boardroom reshuffle which saw the coming in of Farai Jere as the majority shareholder of the club.
Jere completed his takeover of the club two weeks ago and now controls 80 percent of the third biggest football franchise in the country.
His takeover has coincided with the Green Machine not only winning their last two league matches, both played away from home, but also not conceding a goal.
The Harare businessman, who was a team manager when Makepekepe were last crowned champions 10 years ago, said last night that he was confident CAPS United will rise once again.
He said the Green Machine could also regain its status as a reference point for good administration in the domestic Premiership.
“CAPS United used to be a reference point in terms of good administration and we want to get back to that level,” said Jere.
“Remember, we used to go out of the country for pre-season training and my coming in wasn’t meant to change everything but so that we can work together and turn things around.”
The spirits are high in the camp as players and officials have been receiving their financial dues and they expect a big crowd for their league game against Flame Lily at the National Sports Stadium tomorrow with their fans now walking with a spring in their step.
Coach Mark Harrison said the two away wins in their last two games were a huge morale-booster but he believes he has a more important task to keep his players level-headed after the improvement of their welfare in recent weeks.
“Of course, it’s a motivation but my thoughts are to try and keep the players level-headed. We can’t let them get carried away,” said Harrison.
“We don’t have to let them think they’re better than what they’re. We’ve also got that situation where the money is coming to the players. They weren’t being paid recently but now they’re getting paid.
“I’ve got to make sure that I keep the lid on the situation and they remain grounded. That’s a big job because you’re handling young guys and trying to maintain their level-headedness.”
In order to lure supporters, CAPS United have come up with a new concept which will also see school children gaining free entrance.
Harrison believes Flame Lily could be tough opponents.
Makepekepe are enjoying a good run following victories on the road over newboys Dongo Sawmill and Tsholotsho Pirates which thrust them back into the top eight.
CAPS are the best performing team, away from home, but need to improve their home form if they are to fight for the championship.
Harrison said the Green Machine will need to tread with caution against the newboys.
Flame Lily, who currently sit second from the bottom on the log standings, appear to have hit a storm early in their debut season and this week fired their coach Nesbert Saruchera following a poor run.
Interim coach Backfield Chivanga will lead the newboys into battle tomorrow.
Chivanga has been coaching the side’s Under-19s.
Flame Lily have two wins and seven defeats after 12 games.
Green Machine coach, Harrison, said that his charges need not be distracted by events in their opponents’ camp. Makepekepe have a full squad and were boosted by the return of leftback Ronald Pfumbidzai who missed action for almost a month while on trials in Denmark.
Striker Rodreck Mutuma has also returned to the fold and is expected to take part.
Apart from Ishmael Thindwa, who went home to Malawi to see his ailing mother, Harrison has all his players available for selection.
“Flame Lily could be a tough game. They’re down at the bottom and they’re scrapping away for their lives. They’ve a new coach in place and the players could want to impress their new coach.
“So they could probably lift their game against CAPS United, so that’s a double whammy. They’ll lift up their performance twice as hard.
“We got to be very competitive, keep our shape, keep a clean sheet, try to create some chances and get some goals. That’s what we’re looking for,” said Harrison.
New board member for marketing, Alois Bunjira, said they have four designated bays for families or those that come with their partners.
“We encourage schools and teachers to mobilise their children who want to come and watch our matches so that they come as a group or school.
“Bay 28 will be allocated to female soccer fans who wish to come on their own. Bay 29 will be allocated to fans coming as couples, partners or as families.
“Bay 30 will be allocated to school children in uniforms. Bay 16 will also be allocated to female fans, couples and families if they wish to be on the other side of the stadium.
“All the CAPS United legends have been allocated Bay 17.
“These aren’t mandatory but it’s our way to make the Match Day experience better and to encourage more women and children to come. Match Days are meant to be family days.
“Our man-of-the-match will be announced after every game as we prepare for the Player of the Month Award coming soon,” said Bunjira.
Online Reporter