Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi-Zimpapers Sports Hub
CAPS United are in reverse gear on and off the pitch.
The Harare giants’ players used the unorthodox reverse “jive” to enter the changing rooms at Rufaro on Sunday for the Harare Derby against traditional rivals Dynamos.
And this held onlookers spellbound as they chanted, moving into the changing room doors.
In this part of the world where rituals are part and parcel of the game, some people interpreted this as more than just a rehearsed dance routine. It was probably a ritual to “weaken” their opponents.
Yet the Green Machine still lost the match 0-1, thanks to Jairos Kasondo’s solitary strike.
The defeat brought Makepekepe coach Ian Bakala back on the spotlight. Makepekepe are experiencing a lean spell that has complicated their fight for survival.
CAPS United have collected just one point from their last three matches, at a time when the fight against relegation has been gathering pace in the bottom half of the table.
The recent run has left the Green Machine supporters divided, with some sections calling for a technical team reshuffle to breathe new life into the team’s chances of surviving relegation.
There has also been talk among the supporters to turn back to Lloyd Chitembwe.
However, there was no official comment from the club’s leadership.
But what is certain is that Makepekepe have a tough run-in in the last five games of the season, with a battle against title contenders Simba Bhora away at Wadzanayi coming up this weekend.
This will be followed by matches against fellow relegation fighters Manica Diamonds (home) and Chicken Inn (away).
They will then host MWOS, who are still fancying their chances in the title race, before ending the campaign away at relegated Kwekwe United.
After losing so much ground recently, Bakala is aware of the task ahead of him.
“Well, I think at the moment, it’s for us to focus and start winning games,” he said.
“Looking at the material we have, they can do much better than this. But I think mentally, when you are struggling, it becomes difficult, everyone is under pressure of scoring.
“It’s difficult, but we do work on those things, we do everything in training. That’s why I’ve said we are creating so many chances; it’s coming from training. But they have to get used to putting the ball in the net,” said Bakala.
CAPS United are 14th on the log standings with 32 points from 29 games following the defeat. They occupy the last position of safety, but only a slender goal difference of one goal separates them with Dynamos in the drop zone. The Green Machine players missed out on a US$1 500 bonus after failing to beat DeMbare on Sunday. The club’s management has been going out of its way to incentivise the team.
“We had set the winning bonus at US$1 000 on Sunday, plus an additional US$500 for the draw against Herentals in their last match. It was all conditional, provided they beat Dynamos but they missed it.
“The money was there as promised. Remember they were paid US$1 000 bonuses for beating FC Platinum. The management has been doing everything to make sure the guys are happy and that their welfare is taken care of.
“No one is owed by the club. All the salaries are up to date and bonuses have been paid in full as agreed. Unlike some other teams, they have been camping for every game. So, it’s rather surprising that results are not coming,” said Green Machine Chief Executive Officer Morton Dodzo. While Bakala has been struggling of late, his countryman Kelvin Kaindu has brought a Midas touch that has transformed city rivals Dynamos. Kaindu has resurrected DeMbare from the dead following an incredible run that has seen the giants winning five of their last six league games and drawing one.
In comparison, Dynamos were on 16 points from 23 games when Kaindu arrived while CAPS United had 28 points. The teams were separated by 12 points. But fast forward six games later they are now level on 32 points.
However, Dynamos coach Kaindu said he will not get carried away ahead, with five games still to play in the season. DeMbare, who host Ngezi Platinum Stars at Rufaro this weekend, also have some difficult games against Highlanders (away), Bikita Minerals (home), Yadah (away) and FC Platinum (home).
“I think in the last five games; we don’t want to focus on the results of how the other teams are playing. With the momentum that we have, we would rather survive on our own effort.
“And, if we are able to pick up four wins from the last games that we are playing, or even go for all the wins, it would be good for us. If we can get to 37 or to 39 points, it would be better for us,” said Kaindu.
The Zambian left the arena with his head high after outclassing his compatriot Bakala in this Derby that had Zambian coaches in the dugouts.
The Derby spirit is still alive as witnessed by the attendances on Sunday when 14 475 supporters paid to watch the game.
Makepekepe, who were the home team, may have lost the match but they are surely going to get a consolation from the gate receipts.
With a lot at stake as both teams are currently embroiled in the relegation fight, CAPS United increased the gate charges to US$5 for the rest of the ground, US$10 for VIP and US$20 for VVIP bucket seats.
The supporters from both teams turned up in huge numbers despite the upward review of the gate charges.
This was a significant jump from the 8,622 that watched the first leg in May when the teams drew 1-1. At that time, DeMbare were embroiled in internal turmoil and their supporters boycotted games in protest against Bernard Marriot’s leadership.
The boycott has since ended. The latest figure was even higher than the CAPS United versus Scottland match that attracted 11 000 paying fans.
