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Tadious Manyepo-Sports Reporter
CAPS UNITED have their tails up and will be looking to subdue ZPC Kariba in their Nyamhunga den in the Premiership tomorrow.
The Green Machine put a stop to their agonising five-match win-less run in memorable style when beating FC Platinum 1-0 who they screened from reclaiming the top-spot on the table.
That victory, Makepekepe’s first in seven years, has given them wings and they will be motivated going into battle against Newton Chitehwe’s boys.
The Green Machine coach Lloyd Chitembwe is drawing inspiration from last week’s sweet win but he admitted ZPC Kariba will be difficult to outwit at their home ground.
“We have prepared well (for the match) and we are looking forward to the match.
“The match against FC Platinum was very difficult and draining but very interesting and in the end we won.
“The task we have at hand against ZPC Kariba is not small. It is a very big challenge but intrinsically we have that motivation to want to do more,” Chitembwe said.
“We also want to be consistent. That is the target and we need to fight. We are looking forward to a good match, a difficult match for that matter.
“But, yeah, I think we are in a very good space to go out there, compete, and obviously hope to win the match. We are looking forward to that match with a lot of hope.”
CAPS United will welcome back centre-back Hastings Chapusha who sat out FC Platinum’s match through suspension.
Chapusha, one of the best-performing defenders in the league with four goals to his name will be expected to give Makepekepe extra impetus defensively and offensively.
Without the former Harare City man at the heart of CAPS United’s defence, versatile Innocent Zambezi took the post and impressed throughout the afternoon and he will be expected to get some role in the team as well.
“I am happy with the return of Hastings (Chapusha) who was on suspension last week against FC Platinum,” said Chitembwe.
“He will be part of the team (against ZPC Kariba). He has been one of our best performers this season. I believe he gives us reason to believe.”
While Chapusha reverts to the team, goalkeeper Tonderai Mateyaunga will take a back seat after he suffered an injury in the match against FC Platinum last Sunday.
He had to be stretchered off in that high-tempo match and was replaced by Ashley Reyners.
Although Mateyaunga is now back on his feet, Chitembwe said he will be given more time to rest as a precautionary measure.
“Tonderai Mateyaunga is back but we are taking precautionary measures not to risk it outright. We don’t want him to aggravate the injury. I think next week he will be back,” added Chitembwe.
“Tonde (Mateyaunga) is a leader and we should allow him some time to fully recuperate and rest. The injury didn’t look fine but he is now very much okay.
“He will be back next week but for the match against ZPC Kariba, we have decided to let him rest.”
Meanwhile, Highlanders have a chance to leap over Ngezi Platinum Stars when they face the reigning champions at Barbourfields on Sunday.
Straight from a 2-1 win over stubborn Chegutu Pirates at Baobab last Sunday, Bosso will be looking to continue with the pattern but coach Kelvin Kaindu feels the match will be tough especially after Ngezi Platinum Stars witnessed how they played last week.
“I think let’s give the team the credit after we travelled to Chegutu Pirates last week. It’s not an easy fixture.
“The fact that we were playing at Ngezi Platinum’s home ground means that they watched us and I am sure they planned according to how we play,” said Kaindu.
“We are also anticipating to get a better performance at home. We struggled a bit in the last two games we were not playing at home.
“Looking at the log, I think only a point separates us from Ngezi Platinum Stars and I think it will be an interesting fixture.”
Online Reporter