Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo in LILONGWE, Malawi
CAPS UNITED have taken their pre-season beyond routine fitness activity, using a two-week tour of Malawi to test combinations, build cohesion and shape what they hope will be a far more competitive 2026 campaign.
The Green Machine arrived in Lilongwe late Friday and begin their programme with a friendly against Silver Strikers at Silver Stadium in Buwandilo today.
They will meet the same opponents again on Wednesday before wrapping up the tour against another Malawi top-flight side.
The trip will end with a match against UD Songo in Tete, Mozambique, on their way home.
For CAPS, the focus is on sharpening a squad still searching for rhythm after an off-season of adjustments.
Head of delegation Maxwell Mironga said the club viewed the tour as a chance to raise performance levels and strengthen unity ahead of the new Premier Soccer League season.
“We are here for pre-season, but also to represent the club and the country well. These matches give the technical team a chance to assess the squad and build combinations,” said Mironga.
CAPS have often used regional tours to harden their preparations and the meetings with Silver Strikers should offer a useful test against experienced opposition with continental exposure.
Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Malawi, Nancy Saungweme, welcomed the team at the embassy and said the visit reflects the strong ties between the two countries.
She urged the players to approach the matches with pride.
“I’m happy to see a club of CAPS United’s stature visiting Malawi. Sport helps bring our people closer and we wish them well in their matches,” she said.
On the pitch, the emphasis is on fitness, balance and confidence after a period of transition at the club.
The technical team is expected to rotate the squad across the fixtures to assess depth and give new players time to settle.
The matches also give CAPS a chance to test themselves against different styles of play as they look to close the gap on the league’s leading sides this season.
Supporters will be watching for signs of a more settled team, with the Malawi tour offering the first clear look at what the Green Machine could be when the season begins.
