Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi
Zimpapers Sports Hub
CAPS United’s quest for silverware faces another stern test when they host ZPC Kariba in an eagerly anticipated Chibuku Super Cup quarter-final at Rufaro tomorrow.
The Green Machine are coming off a high-intensity Harare Derby that ended in a 1-1 draw against old rivals Dynamos at the same venue last weekend, but they have quickly shifted focus to the knock-out competition as they seek redemption in a season that has largely disappointed in the league.
Makepekepe have also advanced to the quarter-finals of the inaugural Munhumutapa Challenge Cup, and coach Takesure Chiragwi insists there is no room for error as his side turns its attention to the Chibuku Super Cup.
The CAPS United gaffer believes his players have recovered well from the physical demands of the derby and are ready for the challenge posed by ZPC Kariba.
“I think so far so good,” he said.
“I want to thank God for having this opportunity again to participate in the Chibuku Super Cup. We are happy because some of the players who were nursing some injuries are back.
“Last week, some participated against Dynamos, where we wanted to see their level of recovery, and we were happy with how they came and responded very well.
“So, I think we’ve got a good squad that is going to compete. The preparations are going on very well, and we just hope that until Friday or Saturday we have a very good, healthy team that is going to do the work for CAPS United.”
Tinotenda Meke, Cris Mugalu, Kundai Benyu, Kudzai Chigwida and Chitoshi Chinga have all recovered from their respective injuries and are expected to strengthen the squad.
Only a handful of players remain unavailable.
“It’s only Washington Arubi and Brian Kadamanja who are still out. Kunaishe Chando has also picked up a knock, but he has recovered. I think he started light training yesterday (Wednesday).
“He has recovered very well. But these are the only ones who are injured, and also Tanaka Shandirwa is still nursing his injury.
“But the rest of the squad, I think they are valuable,” said Chiragwi.
Having fallen out of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title race, CAPS United are now pinning their hopes on the cup competitions.
They reached the Chibuku Super Cup quarter-finals after edging Simba Bhora 3-2 in a thrilling first-round encounter, with Meke grabbing a dramatic winner in the 90th minute.
Chiragwi believes home advantage tomorrow could play a crucial role as Makepekepe seek to enhance their chances of lifting the Chibuku trophy for the first time.
“Obviously, when we talk about the fans, I feel like we are now playing to our best because they are the most precious people to us,” he said.
“I always challenge them every time. I always urge them to come in numbers to make sure that the team will do well, and they have been doing that, to be honest. That’s the reason why we are back to ourselves.
“It’s because of the support they have been giving us, and we promise them to make sure that as much as they want to win, we, as players in the technical team, are also geared up to make sure that we come up with a positive result so that we can also progress to the next round,” said Chiragwi.
However, CAPS United can expect a tough challenge from ZPC Kariba, who knocked out Ngezi Platinum Stars on their own turf in the first round.
ZPC Kariba secured a famous 1-0 victory at Baobab Stadium courtesy of a Munashe Kamwendo strike late in the first half.
The club’s secretary, Robert Mamvura, said yesterday that the players were highly motivated ahead of the showdown with the Green Machine.
“It’s always exciting to play CAPS United because we are naturally motivated to compete. So, we are expecting a very competitive match, which can go either way.
“But it is my wish to deliver misery on the doorstep of the CAPS United family. Our players know what is at stake. They need to redeem themselves because this season they have not done well in the league competition,” said Mamvura.
Chibuku Super Cup fixtures:
Tomorrow: CAPS United v ZPC Kariba (Rufaro)
Sunday: Dynamos v FC Hunters (Rufaro)
Highlanders v MWOS (Barbourfields)
Wednesday: Scottland v Hardrock (Rufaro)
