Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi
Zimpapers Sports Hub
CAPS UNITED are flying, but Takesure Chiragwi isn’t buying into the noise just yet.
The Green Machine coach says his side are still a work in progress, even as they make a strong early statement in the 2026 Castle Lager Premiership race. He walked into a team that had lost its edge and rebuilt it quickly.
Now CAPS are playing with belief again, taking charge of games and setting the pace instead of chasing it. Sunday’s 2-0 win over Manica Diamonds said plenty. Not just about the result, but how CAPS are starting to control matches. They are no longer reacting, they are dictating.
Makepekepe are a different side now.
Chiragwi has overhauled the squad that flirted with relegation last season, and the impact is already showing. Five wins from six games, 15 points on the board, and a narrow cushion at the top after the Easter round of fixtures.
“We are still working and building the team,” said Chiragwi. If we can build the team this way and we are still winning, what else do you want? They easily gain confidence and improve every day because of winning.
“If the team is winning, it’s easy for the players to improve every day during training and also in game situations like this.
“So, we appreciate the players, how they understand, how they quickly adjust and make sure they can play as a team.”
The depth is starting to show.
Chiragwi made five changes to the side that lost to Ngezi and still got the job done. Brian Kadamanja, Lloyd Njaliwa, Takunda Benhura, Kundai Benyu and Chawanangwa Kaonga came in without disrupting the rhythm.
Others who started in that defeat, Tanaka Shandirwa, Bret Amidu, Chitoshi Chinga, Obriel Chirinda and Junior Kunashe Chando, had to settle for the bench.
No drop in intensity. No drop in quality.
Then there is Alleny Mukombedzi.
Three goals already, all off the bench. He came on again on Sunday and made it count, sealing the win with a composed finish that lifted the crowd at Rufaro.
“Yes, that’s what we want,” said Chiragwi.
“Like I said, he’s one of the players that registered for CAPS United to come in and perform. It’s his responsibility as a striker to make sure that he can score goals for us. But I think what is important is to make sure we respect the process; be patient and we can see more from these youngsters.”
