admina former defender, led CAPS United to their first league championship title in Independent Zimbabwe before the side repeated the feat in 2004 and 2005.
Back then, Bhonzo, as Chigwenje was known, said players from either CAPS United or Dynamos would never give up a fight for the points and the pride that came with success.
“During our times, I do not think we ever went for two years without managing to beat Dynamos but now it has been four years since CAPS United won a league match against their rivals.
“I remember that even if we were playing badly and off form, a game against Dynamos usually energised us.
“Back then we could actually end our poor run whenever we meet Dynamos,” said Chigwenje.
Now working for the Zimbabwe National Water Authority, Chigwenje said he has limited time to get involved in mainstream football although he still hopes to come back one day and make a positive contribution.
“CAPS United players should hope and look forward to a victory. Personally I wish we could win the match and I hope the players will be psyched up to battle until the end.
“It should not get into their heads that once the other team has taken the lead then it’s the end of the game.
“During our time we had people who used to fight until the match is over.
“Right now I feel that we need more in terms of fighting spirit among the current players so that the game could be more exciting.
“At least people like Dalala (Albert Mabika) know what it’s like to play for CAPS and while Mukoma Tau (Mangwiro) is a good coach and should be able to get a good result,” said Chigwenje.
While he would be rallying behind CAPS United, Chigwenje knows that matches involving two of the biggest teams in the capital have never been an easy affair.
“Dynamos have dominated CAPS United for a long time such that some fans have lost passion. Now some people think that CAPS United are going to lose once again,” said Chigwenje.
Going into this match, both Dynamos and CAPS United teams are tied on 15 points after winning their last league matches.
“At the moment Dynamos are playing very well and it’s going to be tough match,” said Chigwenje.
But while Chigwenje’s pair of 43-year-old legs can no longer carry him around the field with the same speed and agility, 18-year-old Ronald Pfumbidzai is hoping for a new beginning for Makepekepe.
Pfumbidzai was signed from Hippo Valley last season and is making his debut season in the Premiership.
Last week, he missed the match against Triangle because of suspension but he is eligible for probably the biggest match of his career so far.
“I expect the match to have tension but I have self belief. I am not intimidated just because we are playing against Dynamos or any other opponent,” said Pfumbidzai.
The lanky player is comfortable as an attacking winger and has challenged his team mates to raise their game tomorrow.
“Before I joined CAPS United, I knew that a game against Dynamos was one of the biggest matches people look forward to in a season.
“Everyone will be looking forward to this game but now it’s an opportunity for me to play and I know some people are expecting to see how Ronny will play.
“I am ready for this game and we are new crop of players at CAPS United who are eager to get a good result.
“We want to get a victory against Dynamos and that’s our mentality,” said Pfumbidzai.
Pfumbidzai believes he has been improving with each game in the Premiership and hopes more will come.
“For now I will fight hard to improve and may be in five years time I should playing outside Zimbabwe,” he said.
CAPS United coach Mangwiro could also bank on veteran striker Tawanda Nyamandwe and rookie forward Takudzwa Mahori and their leading goal scorer Dominic Chungwa.
Chungwa has four goals to his credit this season and the former Eagles player will be hoping for a clean supply of balls upfront.
During the week, Mangwiro had also been emphasizing to his players to have fighting spirit.
Online Reporter