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Tadious Manyepo Sports Reporter
LLOYD Chitembwe has been blown away by the strong mentality his CAPS United players are displaying.
The Green Machine gaffer has been hammering on the need for his charges to wear the right attitude on and off the field of play.
And Makepekepe players have been responding positively to the clarion call.
They failed to stamp their authority in their last Castle Lager Premier Soccer League tie against Yadah last weekend.
But they had the mental aptitude to conjure up a win that lifted them to second place after eight games.
And it is that mentality which Chitembwe is demanding as Makepekepe brace for yet another tricky encounter against Hwange at the National Sports Stadium on Sunday.
The Green Machine are enjoying their season despite a morale-sapping 2-0 defeat against bitter rivals Dynamos a fortnight ago.
That was the only time they suffered a loss and those were the only goals they conceded this term.
Sitting second on the log with the same number of points (15) as leaders Highlanders, Makepekepe are in good space ahead of the clash against Hwange.
The latter, who made a rebound into the Premiership this season, have always been a tough proposition for giants but not really against CAPS United.
They endured a bumpy ride at the hands of the Green Machine the last time they were in the top-flight in 2019 losing 3-1 and 3-0 at the Colliery and at the National Sports Stadium respectively.
But, Chitembwe knows history carries little significance in this game and has been keeping his boys alert for the potential banana skin encounter.
“I think we have just gone through maintenance training, just to maintain the physical, tactical, technical and mental aspects.
“Obviously we have been working on the behaviour of the individual, group and team in both phases of play which is both attack and defence,” said Chitembwe.
“Those are mainly the main things we have been working on in preparation for the match against Hwange.
“So far so good but obviously we want to continue in this trajectory going forward both at an individual level and as a team”.
Chitembwe has been bold when it comes to the need by his charges to play a passing game.
They were disastrous the last time out though but they were just good enough to wrestle the points from Yadah.
And Chitembwe wants his players to keep the same spirit even in matches where the chips would be down.
“I think I told my boys before last weekend’s game about mentality. That match was supposed to give me an appreciation of how the team would respond.
“You know in football it’s practically impossible to win all matches.
“Last week’s match was a typical example of not doing well in terms of play but getting the result.
“I think mentally, that was confirmation of the mental aptitude the boys have”.
CAPS United captain and goalkeeper Tonderai Mateyaunga said his teammates have been excellent and he expects them to help the team over the line on Sunday.
“I am so grateful for my teammates. We have been there for each other. I am grateful and honoured to lead a group of so many achievers.
“It’s very motivational,” said Mateyaunga.
“We appreciate the fact that CAPS United is a football giant and we need a big mentality to do well in the league.
“We have to play for each other, play for ourselves and our fans to keep the brand intact.
“We have a huge responsibility to carry the team forward.
“Hwange are not a bad team. They have shown it already this season and we ought to be focused and retain concentration when we face them on Sunday.”
Online Reporter