Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo-Zimpapers Sports Hub
CAPS United star Ishmael Wadi says they deserve to win the Munhumutapa Cup, but have to stay alert to surmount every hurdle on the way.
Makepekepe are the only traditional giant in the last eight of the mega-rich inaugural tournament after Dynamos and Highlanders were booted out in the Round-of-32.
They face FC Hunters in the first quarterfinal of the contest, whose winners will represent the CAF Confederation Cup, at Rufaro this afternoon.
CAPS United are having a remarkable season in which they are fighting for a place in the top four while still chasing for both the Munhumutapa and Chibuku Super Cup accolades.
This comes against the background that they have failed to win a trophy since delivering the league title in 2016. But the manner in which they have punched this year has brought fresh belief that they are finally where they always deserve to be.
And for Wadi, this is the season in which CAPS United have to reclaim their legendary status as the country’s cup kings by winning both the Munhumutapa Cup and the Chibuku Super Cup.
“As CAPS United players we know we have a huge responsibility to make our fans happy, to make our club better and deliver accolades,” said Wadi.
“It’s disappointing that we won’t be able to win the league title that in hindsight we could have easily gunned for.
“But we deserve to win the Munhumutapa Cup. I am not underrating any team but CAPS United have the chance.
“However, it all comes down to how much prepared are we to suffer and leave everything on the green grass. Cup games need to be treated differently. We have to concentrate and be meticulous throughout the game.
“Obviously, when you look at a team like FC Hunters you will get an impression that CAPS United will easily win, but that is never the case.
“FC Hunters have been playing the most entertaining game in the league if you ask me. They will deprive you the ball and you will only be left to contest for territory which will then make you suffer and break down.
“We are treating them with utmost respect because we know they are in the quarter-finals not by luck, but they deserve to be at this stage.
“But after saying it all, we should know that we are CAPS United. We should know that we are representing a big brand with massive following.
“We can’t afford to disappoint our legion of fans.”
Wadi said winning the Munhumutapa Cup will give Makepekepe a way to compete in Africa.
“I think it has been a while since CAPS United last played in the African club championship,” he added.
“But if you look at the Munhumutapa Cup, it means we are only left with three wins and we will be back in Africa, playing in the CAF Confederation Cup.
“Everyone at the club is ready and the players really want to participate in that competition.”
The winners between Makepekepe and FC Hunters will meet whoever comes out tops between Central Region Soccer League side Blanket Mine and FC Platinum who face off tomorrow at Luveve.
Makepekepe will be without one of their most consistent players this season Lloyd Njaliwa who is on international duty with the Malawi. The Flames will play Angola in their second match of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Angola on Tuesday next week. Defender Chinga Chitoshi is also unavailable for selection due to an injury while Brian Kadamanja who started full training this week after a long term injury isn’t yet 100 percent.
The rest of the team has been running it out competing for places in the squad.
Elsewhere, Scottland will host Bulawayo Chiefs at Rufaro in another quarterfinal tomorrow while Hardrock will play tricky Herentals College at Chahwanda with winners of these two battles set to clash in the last four.
Munhumutapa Fixtures
Today
FC Hunters v CAPS United (Rufaro
Tomorrow
Scottland v Bulawayo Chiefs (Rufaro)
Hardrock v Herentals College
(Chahwanda)
Blanket Mine v FC Platinum (Luveve)
