Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo in LILONGWE, Malawi
THERE is an air of optimism sweeping across the CAPS United camp with the club rookies boldly declaring their intention to play significant roles in the upcoming 2026 Premiership season.
Rather than being content with being part of the squad, the bubbly youngsters say they are not ready for fringe roles at Makepekepe this coming term.
Premier Soccer League regulations require each of the 18 teams participating in the top-flight to register a mandatory five players under the age of 20.
But the Green Machine currently have seven such players with indications they will all be registered as coach Takesure Chiragwi believes in fusing youth and experience.
And the youths he has in the fold have consistently raised their hands in Makepekepe’s pre-season tour of Malawi where they are having a series of friendly games.
Midfielders Junior Kunashe Chando (17), Blessing Junior Pedzisai (16), Gilchrist Tapiwa Makusha (17), Junior Malcolm Banisi (18), Milton Robert (18) and Brendon Takunda Chiragwi (18) have all vowed to earn their stripes.
Chando started the second friendly against Malawi giants Silver Strikers and outperformed his age, much to the delight of Chiragwi who has now spoken highly of the juniors as being key to the team’s depth.
Pedzisai, Makusha, Banisi and Robert have all seen action with Chiragwi, the coach’s son, simply a notch up with his incredible power and on-the-spot technique.
Makusha, a former Zimbabwe U-17 midfield workhorse said: “As a young player, I am obviously happy to be at CAPS United.
“There are a lot of experienced guys in the team who I can learn from.
“I am putting all the work down to earn my stripes as well. The only way to go is up, and it requires work which I am trying to put in.
“I don’t want to be a back-bencher, I want to work and be there as well.”
Chiragwi, who was groomed at DC Academy knows the pressure associated with being the son of the coach.
“That means I have to work twice as much as others,” he declared.
“I am willing to do so because I want to quickly move out of the shadows of my father.
“He was a good player back in his days, so I am told.
“Now he is one of the top coaches around. I need to tap into the knowledge he shares and fully utilise it to help CAPS United.
“I trust myself, and I know what I can do, but there is always room to learn and improve. The good thing is that we are surrounded by veterans who we can learn from but some of us know we should justify ours being here. I am ready to do just that.”
For Pedzisai, he can build onto the knowledge that this is his second year in the Premier Soccer League with CAPS United.
The midfielder once played for Eastern Region Soccer League side St Paul’s Musami before Makepekepe latched onto him.
He is hoping to see his sheer intelligence and exceptional dribbling skills carrying the day for him as he bids to be regular for Makepekepe.
“In football, the key word is always learning,” said Pedzisai, who is affectionately known as “Boss Kedha”.
“I learnt a lot when I was with the team last year. I am trying to improve my overall game and hopefully be able to play huge roles for the team this year.”
At just 17, Makusha has done exceptionally well having already played for Black Rhinos in the Northern Region Soccer League as well as at Ngezi Platinum Stars in the top-flight last year.
He is a product of one of the best academies around, FC Porto Dragon Force.
“I think the experience I have garnered from the past two seasons can help carry me into the CAPS United regular team,” said Makusha.
“It’s never easy to break into the team which has so much talent and experience but being around means you would be within the minimum required standards.
“That means it will be up to you to prove that you are more than just a junior player with potential. In Europe we have seen players even from Africa doing wonders in top-flight leagues. I know for certain that Forward Banisi has a good frame and just the right mentality to make a name for himself sooner rather than later, and he knows exactly that.
“Just possessing the potential is enough, I think,” said Banisi.
“It is then up to you to rise above that mere potential. I believe this is an ideal environment for me to flourish.”
Robert, a silky winger from Real Betis Academy can be quite a handful if he puts in the grind.
“I am extremely delighted to be representing the CAPS United badge,” said Robert.
“Look, when they say you are Under-20, they don’t mean you should wait to grow in terms of football.
“They know it’s up to you to master the concepts and optimise your performance.
“I am at this great club to perform. You can’t be at a great team and expect to do less.”
Chiragwi has hailed the spirit being shown by the youngsters and has undertaken to field them in the season.
The former Ngezi Platinum Stars gaffer has built a huge reputation when it comes to making the youngsters shine on a big platform.
“It’s good to see these youngsters break with confidence,” said Chiragwi.
“We have made a deliberate plan to field them in these international friendlies because we want to give them exposure.
“I am happy with how they have been able to carry themselves, and that is good for the team.”
