adminThe Herald that if the Green Machine can take home all points on offer, they could set the tone for their recovery in the second half of the season.
CAPS United had a run of inconsistent performances in the first term.
Makepekepe will host Hwange at the National Sports Stadium tomorrow before welcoming log leaders Highlanders three days later at the giant stadium to wind up their first round matches.
Mangwiro said they used the two-week break effectively and were aiming for a win against Hwange to get the momentum they need ahead of the back-to-back fixtures with Highlanders.
“I think these are very crucial games because we are playing both of them at home,” said Mangwiro.
“Our aim is to try as much as possible to be nearer to the top than we should be to the bottom teams.
“We have two home games in a row, so we need to maximise on the advantage.”
CAPS United received a boost with the return of forward Rahman Kutsanzira who has become prone to injuries this year.
But Warriors midfielder Hardlife Zvirekwi might not be available for selection as the coach indicated that he may need to take rest after returning from an abortive trip to Guinea where he ended up stranded in Kenya after losing his passport.
Makepekepe are striving for a top four finish by the end of the first half.
Mangwiro was happy with the two-week break which allowed him to work on some of his team’s shortcomings.
They played two friendly matches against Black Rhinos and Motor Action during the break and Mangwiro is hoping to see the fruits of those preparations in the league matches.
“The break was very handy, especially on my part, because I haven’t had enough time to work with some of the players since my return from suspension,” said Mangwiro.
“But, most importantly, we would want to perform more consistently in the league games. A win against Hwange is very crucial.
“It’s a game that can breath some life into our campaign because we have been inconsistent this season.
“We played very well in some games but we could not maintain the same form throughout. So we are saying we need consistency.
“A win against Hwange could give us the impetus that we need for the back-to-back fixtures against Highlanders coming afterwards.”
CAPS United are currently sixth on the log standings with 20 points.
Hwange are six places further down the pecking order with 14 points.
Highlanders lead the race with 29 points.
Bosso have enjoyed a good run this year under Zambian mentor, Kevin Kaindu, and are aiming to win the championship this year after missing out narrowly on goal difference last season.
Kaindu reacted angrily to reports from Zambia that he had also applied for the coaching post at Power Dynamos.
FC Platinum coach, Tennant Chilumba, won the race to coach one of Zambia’s biggest football clubs.
Highlanders date city neighbours Chicken Inn at Barbourfields tomorrow.
But they will need to be at their best as the Gamecocks have been enjoying good form of late.
Chicken Inn are currently fourth on the standings with 23 points and they have roped in former Highlanders player and coach, Mkhupali Masuku, in their technical team as assistant coach in a bid to improve results.
Champions Dynamos will travel to Mutare tomorrow to face Buffaloes.
The army side, which has been in turmoil since the resignation of Saul Chaminuka, have since elevated one of their assistant coaches, Timothy Masachi, to lead the side.
The Dynamos game will be the first tie at Sakubva to be beamed live on SuperSport 9.
Ugandan international, Boban Zirintusa, returned to rejoined the Glamour Boys after two weeks away on national duty.
Bigboy Mawiwi’s Harare City, who appear on top of their game this season, will host Monomotapa at Rufaro on Thursday.
Fixtures
Tomorrow
Black Mambas v Shabanie (Mine Morris Depot), Highlanders v Chicken Inn (Barbourfields), Buffaloes v Dynamos SS9 (Sakubva), Black Rhinos v Tripple B (Rimuka), CAPS United v Hwange (National Sports Stadium), Motor Action v FC Platinum (Motor Action)
Thursday
How Mine v Triangle (Luveve), Harare City v Monomotapa SS9 (Rufaro)
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