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CAPS United face another tough test to keep alive the flying start to their championship campaign amid concerns by some of their players over the club’s failure to settle outstanding bonuses.
The Green Machine take on How Mine at Luveve today, with some players concerned they are yet to be paid their salaries and winning bonuses for the games against Whawha and FC Platinum.
CAPS United officials are negotiating with a new sponsor, whom they believe will resolve their financial challenges, after a proposed marriage with Adverts For Africa, through the Zing brand, collapsed.
Club chief executive Joe Makuvire told the weekly Game Plan football magazine programme on ZTV on Monday night that for now the team will have to rely on their two directors — Twine Phiri and Farai Jere — to keep them running until they finalise their negotiations with a new sponsor.
CAPS United are also hoping for a big pay day on Easter Monday when they host Dynamos in the Harare Derby.
But the Green Machine know that they need a good result in Bulawayo today for their Derby showdown to be a best-seller.
Speaking after his team’s arrival in Bulawayo yesterday, CAPS United coach Mark Harrison said they were expecting a tough encounter.
“They are an experienced team and we are expecting a tough encounter just like in our game against FC Platinum,” said the Englishman.
How Mine coach Luke Masomere said he had a lot of respect for the Green Machine.
“CAPS United are a good team and have been getting good results so far. They are unbeaten and we have also not lost a match,” said Masomere.
“(Tapiwa) Khumbuyani is one of the senior players in my squad and should not be troubled with playing his former team.
“We cannot continue talking about injuries, but have to learn to live with them for now. Tawanda Mparati has begun light training, while Devon Chafa joins Godfrey Nguwodzawo on the injury list.
“However, we welcome Nyasha Mukumbi back from injury. Charles Sibanda and Benjamin Marere are also now fully fit.”
Fixtures:
Today: How Mine v CAPS United (Luveve);
Tomorrow: Whawha v Harare City (Ascot); Chicken Inn v Tsholotsho (Luveve); ZPC Kariba v Buffaloes (Gwanzura); Highlanders v Hwange (Barbourfields); Dynamos v Dongo Sawmills (Rufaro); Triangle v Chapungu (Gibbo).
Sunday: Flame Lily v How Mine (Gwanzura); Buffaloes v Highlanders (Vengere).
Monday: Dongo Sawmill v Triangle (Vengere); Chicken Inn v Whawha (Luveve); CAPS United v Dynamos (NSS); Tsholotsho v Hwange (White City), Chapungu v ZPC Kariba (Ascot).
Wednesday: FC Platinum v Flame Lily (Mandava).
Online Reporter