adminEddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
CAPS United coach Taurai Mangwiro yesterday said Makepekepe made a significant gains when they beat Chicken Inn but reckons it is still work in progress for the former Cup Kings in their quest to reclaim past glory. Makepekepe battled against the odds to enhance their chances in the Mbada Diamonds Cup following their 2-1 win over Chicken Inn at Ascot.
Goals from Tawanda Nyamandwe and David Rediyoni were all they needed to put behind them the troubled week in which they averted a boardroom crisis.
And for the second year in succession Makepekepe have managed to make the semi-final of this tournament while bitter rivals Dynamos finally surrendered the title after dominating the first two editions.
Mangwiro, who had briefly announced his resignation at the club last week before having a change of heart, yesterday said they were looking ahead with caution,
“It was a pretty tough match but we are all delighted we managed to sail through at the end of the day. It feels great to be able to get where we are.
“However, the job hasn’t been completed yet since there are two more games to be played if we are to reach the final and win the tournament.
“Anybody would want to do well in this tournament and represent the nation in the Confederation Cup,” said Mangwiro.
CAPS United were joined in the semi-finals by giants Highlanders, Harare City and newboys How Mine who Dynamos’ reign with a 1-0 victory at Rufaro.
Highlanders hammered Buffaloes 3-0 at Mucheke on Sunday, 24 hours after Bigboy Mawiwi’s Harare City had also sealed their place courtesy of a 2-0 win over Hwange at Dulibadzimu.
The teams will go into the hat again this Friday for the semi-final draw, with matches expected next week.
The four teams are now guaranteed US$45 000 for reaching the semi-finals while Chicken Inn, Hwange, Dynamos and Buffaloes received US$30 000 for their efforts.
“We must be ready to play whichever team. We cannot wish for an easy draw because all the teams in the semis are good. The most important thing at this moment is to continue working hard as a team and trying to remain positive,” said Mangwiro.
How Mine are also looking to go all the way after causing the biggest upset on Sunday when they knocked out holders Dynamos.
The Premiership newboys became the first team to beat Dynamos in this tournament to end a proud run that had seen the Glamour Boys dominating with back-to-back titles in the last two years when the tournament begun. How Mine coach Philani Ncube yesterday said experience carried the day for them as an army of veterans in his team proved too much for Callisto Pasuwa’s men.
Former Black Rhinos and FC Platinum midfielder Menard Mupera, who controlled the midfield, was voted man-of-the-match as he and goal-scorer Thembani Masuku outshone DeMbare’s Thomas Magorimbo and the out-of-form Tawanda Muparati in the engine room.
How Mine were also solid at the back with old horses Gilbert Banda, Herbert Dick and Nyasha Mukumbi impressive while their strikeforce of Simba Sithole and Qinani Sibanda looked threatening.
Online Reporter