adminThe CAPS United family is high on confidence in the run-up to the big game and yesterday Makuvire, who was roped in this year to oversee the rebuilding of the team following years of decline, said they are aiming to collect maximum points from Dynamos for the first time in four years.
Makuvire was the club’s marketing manager during the golden era of the 2004 and 2005 seasons when they won back-to-back league titles under Charles Mhlauri.
CAPS United also won the Buddie Cup and the Independence trophy during that memorable period.
Makepekepe, who had a host of star players like Laughter Chilembe, Leonard Tsipa, Hadji Tambala, Raymod Undi, Artwell Mabhiza and Ian Bakala, used to give their Harare rivals tough times then.
Makuvire said the memories would provide inspiration to the Class of 2013 which has several newcomers to the derby.
“First and foremost we want the three points,” he said.
“But I must say we were hurt most by the three points that we lost to Shabanie Mine than anything else. We are in competition and that is what happens sometimes although our permanent desire is to win all our matches.
“What is interesting is that this game against Dynamos is coming when both teams are at par on 15 points. This rarely happens and we must also remember that Dynamos are the defending champions whilst we are coming up from the doldrums.
“So I should say the pressure is on us to show our fans and partners that we are back up there. We have to win on Sunday. It is all about restoration and reclaiming our status.
“My wish is that the game doesn’t end in a draw and I have confidence in the fact that we never lost to Dynamos when I was with CAPS United before. It’s on record and we would want to use this game to make the statement that CAPS United are back,” said Makuvire.
Gate charges have been pegged at US$5 for the rest of the ground, US$10 VIP and US$20 for the VVIP tribune.
CAPS are anticipating a big crowd and have put in place measures to ensure that there would be order at the gates.
The previous two derbies at the National Sports Stadium were marred by inept gate controls resulting in supporters breaking through and watching the match without paying.
Last year the official figures reflected that 19 219 fans paid to watch the match which the Green Machine lost 0-3 although conservative estimates showed that there were about 30 000 fans at the giant stadium.
“Given the rivalry that exists between the two clubs, it is only natural that this is our biggest game on the calendar so we would want to make sure that in terms of organisation, everything is top notch.
“We started serious preparations for this match last week and I have been working closely with PSL chief executive Kenny Ndebele. We are expecting a full house that is why we chose the National Sports Stadium.
“Matches of this calibre require a good family environment, taking into consideration the huge number of supporters we expect.
“All the logistics are being worked out and we are looking to open the gates as early as 10:00am for the convenience of the supporters. We have entertainment lined up for them and our main curtain-raiser in the afternoon will feature teams from our academy, which are Pamushana and Chemhanza High Schools. This is in line with our junior development policy.
“People should come early and we hope to have all the entrance points working to avoid congestion. We also had meetings with the police to ensure that people are secure inside and outside the stadium,” said Makuvire.
CAPS United continued with their preparations yesterday. The team doctors were expected to examine their star players Hardlife Zvirekwi and Rahman Kutsanzira who have been carrying knocks for some time.
Zvirekwi played in the last game against Triangle and it appears he had not fully recovered from an ankle injury as he is back in the casualty ward.
Kutsanzira is still down with a groin injury.
CAPS United are coming from a morale-boosting 1-0 win at Triangle, to remain level with Dynamos on points. Both teams are in the top five with 15 points apiece after nine starts.
“There will be no special incentives for anyone and I would like to believe the game is enough motivation in itself because whoever loses will be left behind,” said Makuvire.
Fixtures
Friday
Harare City v Triangle *SS9 (Rufaro)
Saturday
Motor Action v Shabanie Mine (Motor Action Sports Club, Monomotapa v FC Platinum *SS9 (Rufaro) Black Rhinos v Chicken Inn (Gwanzura)
Sunday
CAPS United v Dynamos *SS9 (National Sports Stadium), Highlanders v How Mine (Barbourfields), Buffaloes v Black Mambas (Sakubva), Hwange v Tripple B (Colliery)
WEEK 11
Tuesday 21 May
Triangle v Motor Action *SS9 (Gibbo), Shabanie Mine v Black Rhinos (Maglas)
Wednesday 22 May
Dynamos v Harare City (Rufaro), FC Platinum v Hwange *SS9 (Mandava), Black Mambas v How Mine (Morris Depot), Chicken Inn v Buffaloes (Luveve)
Thursday 23 May
Monomotapa v Highlanders (Rufaro), Tripple B v CAPS United *SS9 (Mandava)
*SS9 Matches to be shown on SuperSport 9
Online Reporter