Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo
Zimpapers Sports Hub
CAPS United coach Takesure Chiragwi feels that the dry spell that his side are enduring isn’t a sign of weakness on their part, but testimony of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League’s competitiveness.
Chiragwi’s men have fallen off the top spot and have in the last few weeks been oscillating between second and third place.
For the first time since the commencement of the term, Makepekepe fans turned against Chiragwi after the team’s goalless draw against struggling AGAMA at Wadzanai last Sunday.
This was despite the fact that the draw helped the Green Machine move into second place, four points behind leaders Scottland.
While the fans, whose optimism levels have been higher up this season due to their club’s form are appearing to start doubting the process, Chiragwi has weighed in to reassure them.
“We’re okay. Look at where we are,” Chiragwi said.
“So far, so good. There’s no need to panic. This is what we want, and where we are, we’re very comfortable. We know we’re competing.
“The league is very competitive. There are no easy games, but I don’t think there is any reason to be under pressure. We are competing well, and where we are on the log is ideal. There is a lot of football still to be played.”
Yet goalscoring has particularly been the Green Machine’s biggest undoing this season despite the team’s ability to create so many scoring opportunities.
“At the end of the day, only the goals you score count. Every player in the team has the responsibility to score.
“We’re where we are because we’ve been scoring goals, and that’s how we’ve got the points to be there. I think we’re okay with where we are right now,’’ Chiragwi said.
“When you talk about the performance, it’s about how they play. The only missing link is getting the ball behind the net.
“When you’re playing well, we’re not worried, because what’s important is to correct that missing link. Then the good performance they’re putting in will come with maximum points and goals.
“There are positives you need to take into consideration apart from scoring. I understand everyone wants the team to score and win — that’s normal in football.
“But we’re also playing against teams that want to win. They defend very well and deny us goals.
“But look at how we are able to defend. Look at how we hold our positions, how we control games for 90 minutes. If you only focus on the fact that we hit the post, you’ll lose everything. You just need to take the positives from what we are doing well and build from there.
“When you get the opportunity, sometimes you just need to take it. That’s football.
“I’m always happy about how these guys get into those situations. If you’re controlling the game and creating real chances, not forcing them, then it’s only a matter of time before you score. On a good day, you get maximum points.”
CAPS United face Herentals, who like them, have been struggling to take on board the maximum points.
This Harare derby fixture is slated for Rufaro on Saturday.
After a positive month in May in which their coach, Celestino Benza and captain, Ralph Kawondera, won the PSL Coach and Player of the Month, respectively, the Eagles have found it hard this month after losing once and drawing twice in the past three games.
CAPS United won the reverse fixture at the same venue in March, and Chiragwi is confident his boys will find their range.
“We are really positive. Herentals is a difficult opponent altogether. Look at where they are right now. This is a team that can beat anyone on their day.
“But we are prepared for them, and my boys are really psyched up for the task. It’s time we get our consistency down,” added Chiragwi
