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CAPS United …………………………………………… (2)3
Tripple B …………………………………………………….. 0
CAPS United roared within shouting distance, stretching their unbeaten run to 10 games, taking their tally to three points behind leaders Dynamos whom they play in the next league match next Sunday.
The Green Machine made light work of relegation threatened Tripple B at the National Sports Stadium.
For the first time in a long time the three traditional giants including third placed Highlanders are in the top four of the Castle Lager Premiership.
Makepekepe emerged victors with goals from Hardlife Zvirekwi (32nd and 90th minute) and Dominic Chungwa in the 52nd minute.
Interestingly, Caps last defeat was at the hands of Dynamos in May when a Devon Chafa penalty silenced them.
From there they have managed five draws and as many wins.
Yesterday, Caps marched on with another good performance in the second half. It was made special as they unleashed some youthful players such as Zinovamba Muskwe later in the game proving that maybe the sky will be the limit for the former champions.
Coach Taurai Mangwiro said his team was not really affected by the break.
“I had anticipated that we would struggle. When we went to the break we were on a high. And obviously it was evident in the opening minutes that we were struggling.
“Once we got our act together it was better and we were asking questions.
“We didn’t allow them to play unlike in the first leg,” said Mangwiro. The two teams drew 2-2 in Zvishavane in the reverse fixture.
The soft-spoken gaffer said going into the match after other top teams had posted good results, a day before, it was always going to give them some pressure.
“It was important to get points today. It was always tricky after other top teams had got the maximum points.
“We badly needed to get the points. From here let’s look at the next five matches, they will shape the rest of the season for us,” said Mangwiro.
He said even though derby matches do not depend on form book, they would be easily motivated approaching the Dynamos game on a high.
“We wouldn’t want to go (into the match) on the back of a defeat. You are spurred to do well when playing Dynamos. Dynamos won the
first leg when they were not playing well and it is not really about the performance.
“But we are also happy and will go into the match with our tails up,” said Mangwiro.
Tripple B coach Peter Manoti watched his team fail to collect the badly needed points as they remained second from bottom with 17 points.
However, he remains optimistic that they will survive relegation.
“Credit should be given to Caps United. They really played well and deserved this win. They pressed hard and did not give my players room to play. But my players played really well considering we are coming from a very long break.
“They gave it all but sometimes it is very difficult to play away because there are many factors that will be against you. With this performance I don’t think the team will be relegated,” said Manoti.
Caps United: T Dube, T Kumbuyani, T Samanja, A Chivheya, S Makatuka, R Pfumbidzai, R Kutsanzira, H Zvirekwi (B Zabula 85th minute), B Maglasi (Z Muskwe 76th minute), D Chungwa, T Nyamandwe (L Fiyado 65th minute).
Tripple B: T Mafunga, F Makambanga, T Mkondwa, O Chove, E Mwinga, T Mamvura, M Mavhuto (P Makarise 81st minute) W Chingodza, J Dandi, A Marime, M Kawashu (J Daudi 90th minute).
Online Reporter