Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi
Zimpapers Sports Hub
CAPS United coach Takesure Chiragwi says his side will not be distracted by the off-field turmoil surrounding rivals Dynamos as the Green Machine prepare for tomorrow’s Harare Derby at Rufaro Stadium.
While Makepekepe have watched from a distance as their neighbours grapple with boardroom wrangles and a recent training ground bust-up, Chiragwi yesterday insisted that his focus remained firmly on his own team’s preparations for one of Zimbabwean football’s biggest fixtures.
The former CAPS United player, who has experienced the derby both on the pitch and from the technical bench, warned his players against reading too much into Dynamos’ current troubles.
“I am not concerned much about what is happening to our opponents because that is not important.
“Dynamos are Dynamos. When you play Dynamos or Highlanders, despite having problems or challenges, when it comes to a match day, they play, because it’s the culture,” said Chiragwi.
“So, we don’t read much into it. We have been about reading this for so many years. Even during our playing days, when you play Dynamos or Highlanders, during that week they will come with a lot of stories that can also divide yourselves in terms of attention.
“But I think we are more professionals to make sure that we concentrate on CAPS United and make sure that we perform better.”
CAPS United have had their own share of troubles in recent days, including reports that influential midfielder Tanaka Shandirwa suffered a head injury in an off-field altercation, forcing him to miss last week’s Munhumutapa Challenge Cup Round of 16 victory over Manica Diamonds.
The Green Machine have also been hampered by injuries, with veteran goalkeeper Washington Arubi and Brian Kadamanja remaining sidelined. However, Chiragwi received a timely boost after several key players returned to full training this week. He said Tinotenda Meke, Cris Mugalu, Chitoshi Chinga, Kudzai Chigwida and Kundai Benyu were all back in contention ahead of the derby.
“I think when going for a war you need all your soldiers to be available and we are happy that most of the players that have been nursing injuries this week are now fit to make sure that they can also try and compete.
“It’s a good thing, but we also give a lot of respect to other players who did also very well during the time when these players were nursing the injuries.
“I think they did very well to carry the duty going forward, also showing that we’ve got quality players in all departments to make sure when someone is not there, everyone comes in and make sure that he can also perform for the club.
“We are happy that it will be our duty now as coaches, having all the players at our disposal, to make sure that we select the best team to compete,” said Chiragwi.
CAPS United head into the derby in encouraging form after recovering from a mid-season slump. The Harare giants are unbeaten in their last five matches in all competitions and have booked places in the quarter-finals of both the Chibuku Super Cup and the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup.
Chiragwi believes the significance of the derby naturally raises the stakes and is demanding extra focus from his charges.
“We know how important it is to play at Dynamos, and it’s not something new,” said Chiragwi.
“But I think it’s also very important how you try to manage the players and also ourselves in terms of getting the positive results.”
Makepekepe claimed the bragging rights after winning the first leg 2-1 at Rufaro earlier this year in a fiercely contested tie that attracted 25 000 paying supporters.
Although both clubs have since fallen behind in the title race, they remain locked in a battle for a top-four finish. Dynamos occupy third place on the log with 46 points, while CAPS United are sixth on 43 points.
“On Saturday, it will be a different ball game because it’s a different day, and the approach probably could be different in terms of the magnitude of the game, and the numbers of the fans coming to watch the game.
“The most interesting part is what the teams have been doing of late, that is also a good thing for us to go to that game, knowing that all the teams are well balanced
“But the good team will carry the day, and obviously we always pray for CAPS United to make sure that we do our part, that can also favour the club to get maximum points, but it’s a very good game that we are also looking forward to,” said Chiragwi.
