Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi
Zimpapers Sports Hub
CAPS United coach Ian Bakala says they face a difficult path in the remainder of the season as their battle against relegation has been scuppered time and again by injuries in the Green Machine camp.
Bakala had his back to the wall again on Sunday following his team’s lifeless performance in the 1-3 loss to ZPC Kariba.
Dejected CAPS United supporters demanded answers and hurled missiles on the pitch, disrupting a post-match interview that was supposed to be aired live on television.
But the Zambian gaffer, who was mandated to save the club from sinking following a poor start to the season, has met with stark inconsistencies as the Green Machine continued to be haunted by the chop.
In his defence, Bakala said his efforts had been thwarted by persistent injuries in his camp. He revealed he is yet to establish his first XI because of that fact, being around for 16 of the 27 games played by the Harare giants.
CAPS United dropped to 11th place following Sunday’s loss, with 31 points, just two above the relegation drop zone.
“We still have a lot of work to do. Looking at the team, we are not consistent. We’ve got players injured, some are going out, and coming in,” said Bakala.
“So, every time we are changing the team which is something that does worry us because at the moment, we don’t have the starting XI and it’s very difficult being in the situation where we are.
“But the players, we just have to mentor them very well. The race is still on and I hope coming after the (FIFA) break, everyone is going to be fit.”
CAPS United have won only one league game and lost the other three during the month of August, which translate to only three points from a possible 12.
They conceded seven goals and scored two, which makes their fight against relegation a bit complicated as goal difference could be used in the final standings. CAPS united are now five goals in the red.
Their fortunes in the same month have contrasted sharply with crosstown rivals Dynamos who are in the same relegation predicament.
Dynamos under new coach Kelvin Kaindu had a 100 percent winning record in the same period, collecting 12 points and improving their chances of survival.
Many critics had almost written them off following a difficult campaign that not only reflected the poor quality on the pitch but also the challenges in the boardroom under the controversial leadership Bernard Marriot.
From two wins in 23 games, DeMbare now have six wins to their name.
This has also added pressure on Bakala who admitted the Green Machine will need to put an extra shift if they are to steer away from the relegation matrix. He is targeting 14 points from the remaining games against Herentals, Dynamos, Simba Bhora, Manica Diamonds, Chicken Inn, MWOS and Kwekwe United.
The Green Machine are hoping that the FIFA break this week will give their injured players an opportunity to work on their fitness.
“It’s an obvious case, we just have to fight and move from relegation. I think from the beginning the team has been struggling.
“Even if we are not in that red (zone) now, still we are not okay. I think our target is to reach maybe 45 points so that we secure the place for next season. Because at this time it’s very difficult.
“We are not consistent. We win one game, again the team changes. It’s a bit complicated, but we just have to focus on the coming game because I think we will have a good break here where our players, I think everyone is going to recover,” said Bakala.
