CAPS United end win-less run

Tadious Manyepo-Sports Reporter

CAPS United . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  .(0)3

GreenFuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0

JUNIOR BUNJIRA turned back the hands of time with a replica show of his father Alois’ legendary exploits for CAPS United in the 90s, when he mesmerised in this commanding Castle Lager Premier Soccer League win against GreenFuel at Rufaro yesterday. 

His father, who proudly watched from the stands, used to dish out those top performances for the Green Machine, back in the day when the Harare giants used to be a force in local football. 

Having made cameo appearances twice before yesterday, the young Bunjira chose the ceremonial home of football to showcase his mettle. 

With the opening phase of this encounter ending in a not-so-inspiring goalless draw, Makepekepe coach Lloyd Chitembwe decided to throw Bunjira to the deeper end, the 20-year-old replacing the ineffective Ian Nyoni on the right wing. 

And how right the veteran coach was.

Just four minutes after the restart, Bunjira flighted an inch-perfect cross that was met on the volley by the equally impressive Wayne Makuva, to open the scoring. 

With the guests throwing everything in search of an equaliser, as Adrian Sila’s dipping freekick almost spun past returning goalkeeper Tonderai Mateyaunga, Bunjira again returned to haunt them. 

Providing great width for the home side, Bunjira sliced a low cross that was tapped home by Rodwell Chinyengetere with 20 minutes still on the clock. Three minutes later, William Manondo, who had been on the field for just 10 minutes having replaced Ralph Kawondera, put the game to bed with a solo effort. 

Chitembwe was full of praise for Bunjira in particular and his team in general. 

“It was a really good show by Bunjira. He is still young but he has a lot of potential,” said Chitembwe. 

“Overall, the players were in the match, showing a lot of zeal. Physically, I think, they were up to scratch and tactically, they were also sound. 

“I am very happy with how they played. We now have to be consistent going forward starting with the game against Highlanders (on Sunday). 

“But the boys gave it their all and I am very happy for today (yesterday). 

“We were looking for a win and we got it and in football, there is no better feeling than getting to win in a tough match like the one we played.” 

GreenFuel coach Rodwell Dhlakama was disappointed by the defeat. 

“I think the turning point was when we thought we had found the equaliser that was then flagged for offside. The boys couldn’t adjust and they put the foot off the pedal,” said Dhlakama. 

“We couldn’t concentrate. I am worried by the way we keep on losing points.” 

It was a game that GreenFuel could have won, considering the way they controlled proceedings in the opening half but Sila, Anelka Chivandire and James Ngulube all failed to score from good positions. 

It was a happy return for Mateyaunga, who managed to keep a clean sheet in his first start of the season having been on the sidelines for the opening seven games.

Teams

CAPS United: Tonderayi Mateyaunga, Hastings Chapusha, Eric Manokore, Bruce Kangwa, Godknows Murwira, Devon Chafa, Ralph Kawondera (William Manondo 62min), Ian Nyoni (Junior Bunjira 46min), Wayne Makuva(Innocent Zambezi 83min), Rodwell Chingengetere (Kingsley Mureremba 86min), Lot Chiwunga (Blessing Sarupinda 83min).

GreenFuel: Tapiwa Chilenga, Brian Chikwenya, Reginald Chinemo, Munyaradzi Diro Nyenye, Goodwin Goriyati, Adrian Silla, Anelka Chivandire (Mandlenkosi Gasela 80mins), Tinotenda Mutyambizi, Donald Ngoma (Washington Mapuwa 80min), Tinotenda Meke (Clive Rupiya 59min), James Nguluve (Collins Dhuwa 48min)

WEEK 8

Yesterday: Arenel Movers 0-1 Manica Diamonds

CAPS United 3-0 GreenFuel, Chegutu Pirates 0-1 Dynamos (match abandoned in injury time)

Wednesday

Bikita Minerals 1-0 Simba Bhora

Chicken Inn 1-0 Hwange

FC Platinum 0-1 ZPC Kariba

Herentals 2-2 Highlanders

Ngezi Platinum 2-2 Yadah

TelOne 1-1 Bulawayo Chiefs

Latest Standings

P W D L F A Pts

Highlanders 8 4 3 1 13 7 15

Chicken Inn 8 4 3 1 8 4 15

Simba Bhora 8 4 1 3 9 7 13

Manica Diamonds 8 4 1 3 8 8 13

FC Platinum* 7 3 3 1 10 7 12

Bulawayo Chiefs 8 3 3 2 9 7 12

Bikita Minerals 7 3 2 2 8 6 11

ZPC Kariba 8 2 5 1 6 5 11

CAPS United* 7 3 1 3 10 5 10

Dynamos** 7 2 3 2 5 5 9

TelOne 8 2 3 3 10 11 9

GreenFuel 8 2 3 3 6 10 9

Arenel Movers 8 1 5 2 5 7 8

Ngezi Platinum 8 1 5 2 5 7 8

Chegutu Pirates** 7 2 2 3 3 6 8

Yadah 8 1 4 3 8 11 7

Herentals 7 1 3 3 5 8 6

Hwange 8 1 2 5 4 10 5

*Match abandoned