CAPS Utd end season on a high

Bruce Chikuni Sports Reporter

CAPS United……………………..(2)3

Herentals…………………………(1)1

FORMER champions CAPS United ended a frustrating 2023 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season on a high after beating Herentals College 3-1 at the National Sports Stadium yesterday.

With all eyes at Barbourfields where Ngezi Platinum Stars were taking over from FC Platinum as Zimbabwe champions, CAPS United went about their business and dispatched a Herentals side that had been dreaming of a top four finish.

Herentals coach Kumbirai Mutiwekuziva felt CAPS deserved this victory, crediting his counterpart, Lloyd Chitembwe for a masterstroke ploy in midfield.

Makepeke restricted the Students for the better part of the game with Devon Chafa proving why he has been in the game for a long time.

Mutiwekuziva also singled out Tino Benza for praise.

Benza provided the chance which was scored by Clemence Gobvu.

This was his 11th assist of the campaign and he has netted six goals.

“I think CAPS United deserves this win, they were good in midfield and even their wingers were too good.

“Our boys did well to restrict them from creating many chances and we also had our moments which I feel we could have done better, but we will fight again next season.

“I also want to credit Tino. He is improving with each passing game and his performance really summed up what he has been doing in this campaign,” said Mutiwekuziva.

The Students won the reverse fixture 2-1.

For CAPS United, this was an improvement from last season in terms of points as they made six more than the 40 they earned in 2022.

Chitembwe felt humbled by Mutiwekuziva’s remarks.

“I am very pleased with how we have ended this campaign, it’s been a rollercoaster ride for us.

“We played well and we were really strong in the midfield and I’m happy that my counterpart acknowledged it.

“Our game plan was to suppress them in the midfield and the boys read the script well. I have always believed in these boys, they are real fighters,” said Chitembwe.

Herentals took a fourth minute lead through Gobvu and CAPS United replied through William Manondo in the 14th minute. Rodwell Chinyengetere gave them the lead just before halftime and Thulani Joseph killed it as a contest seven minutes from full time.

CAPS United’s Hastings Chapusha was sent off by referee Tichaona Mbira in the 87th minute after a crude foul on Benza.