adminMonoz were promoted into the Premiership in 2005 and CAPS United have struggled to get a positive result over their rivals during the 16 league matches they have played so far.
In fact, CAPS United have come out second-best on many occasions against Monoz who are proving to be one of their bogey sides in the league.
CAPS United have won only three times in the league while Chinomakwa Nani won six matches with the rest of the clashes fizzling into draws.
The last meeting between the two sides ended in a 0-0 stalemate during the first half of the season while CAPS United’s last victory over Monoz came in September 2009.
But former Monomotapa defender Tawanda Munyanduri, who is now fighting for CAPS United’s cause, is hopeful that the Green Machine will get a positive result on Sunday.
Munyanduri left Monoz during the mid-season in 2011 and since his arrival, CAPS United have struggled against his former team.
“I do not remember losing a game to CAPS United during my time at Monoz.
“Now I have moved to CAPS United and we have never won against Monoz but I hope this is the time to break the jinx.
“The team has been playing well of late and the fighting spirit is very high among the boys.
“All the boys are aiming for nothing short of a victory and a draw will not be good enough for us,” said Munyanduri.
Munyanduri is expected to play in central defence where he will partner Stephen Makatuka or George Magariro.
CAPS United will go into the match without the services of Arnold Chiveya, Hardlife Zvirekwi and Tafadzwa Dube.
Chiveya will be completing his suspension after he received a red card during the league tie against Highlanders at Barbourfields while the duo of Zvirekwi and goalkeeper Dube are with the Warriors for the Cosafa Castle Cup tournament in Zambia.
CAPS United team manager Josephat Rwafa said his side could have achieved good results over the past games but warned his charges that Monoz were tricky opponents.
“Monoz are proving to be one of our bogey sides in the league and we have to be on guard.
“We should not underrate our opponents at all. It appears Monoz have a tendency of raising their game whenever they play against us.
“They have a good team of youngsters but we hope to match them in the match,” said Rwafa.
Last weekend, CAPS United were lucky to get away from Hwange with a point after Tawanda Nyamandwe scrambled in a late equaliser in their last game at the Colliery.
“I think were lucky to get that vital point from that game in Hwange.
“It’s good to avoid defeat in seven matches but the we should not relax,” said Rwafa.
Rwafa said CAPS United are not aiming for the championship yet although they still have a big chance.
“The championship is not our priority for now but we are building a team for next season.
“However, if the chance comes along we will fight for the crown,” said Rwafa.
As CAPS United play Monoz at the National Sports Stadium, their bitter city rivals, Dynamos, are at Rimuka where they play Black Rhinos.
Black Rhinos have adopted the Kadoma venue for their home matches and will hope to pick up at least a point to ease their relegation worries.
Dynamos will go into the match without defensive linkman Stephen Alimenda who is suspended but the Harare giants have been boosted by the availability of Sydney Linyama.
By last night it was still not clear whether the game between Harare City and FC Platinum will be at Rufaro on Saturday or Sunday.
The PSL have set the match on Saturday but Zimbabwe Football Legends are also interested in using the same venue for their game against their South African counterparts on the same day.
Fixtures
Saturday: How Mine v Shabanie Mine (Luveve), Black Mambas v Chicken Inn (Morris Depot), Harare City v FC Platinum (Rufaro), Motor Action v Tripple B (Motor Action Sports Club)
Sunday: Buffaloes v Triangle (Sakubva), Black Rhinos v Dynamos (Rimuka), Highlanders v Hwange (BF), CAPS United v Monomotapa (NSS)
Suspended players
Steven Alimenda (Dynamos), Kudakwashe Mahachi (Chicken Inn), Aleck Marime (Tripple B), Timire Mamvura (Tripple B), Tafadzwa Mombeshora (Shabanie Mine), Philip Chandisaita (Bufaloes), Themba Ndlovu (Buffaloes), Mernard Mupera (How Mine), Courage Denias (Triangle)
Online Reporter