Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
AFTER a disappointing midweek setback, giants CAPS United will be desperate to return to winning ways when they travel to Ascot tomorrow for a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League clash against relegation-threatened TelOne.
The Green Machine, who controlled the pace for most of the first half of the season, have endured a worrying slump in form in recent weeks. They have won just two of their last 13 matches and appear to have run out of steam and losing track of their rivals in the title race.
They need to start picking maximum points to redeem their fading prospects in this year’s campaign. Makepekepe’s frustrations deepened on Thursday when they suffered a shock 1-0 home defeat to league newcomers FC Hunters.
Despite dominating large periods of the contest and creating numerous chances, CAPS United failed to convert their opportunities.
Coach Takesure Chiragwi, however, has urged his players to remain positive and focus on the road ahead.
“I think for us, we just need to also take the positives and make sure we motivate the players. Sometimes you need also to appreciate the effort that they are putting in, as much as you want to win,” said Chiragwi.
“So, we take the positives and we move from there. We can’t keep on mourning, but we just need to respect the result and respect the performance that we did. And, also take the positives for the next game,” said Chiragwi.
CAPS United are fifth on the log standings with 39 points. They now trail log leaders Scottland by 13 points.
TelOne on the other hand, have been fighting for survival from the onset of the season.
Despite changing coaches and bringing in Saul Chaminuka, their fortunes have remained largely unchanged as they remain trapped third from the bottom with 17 points.
The matches this week will be played under a cloud following the tragic road accident that claimed the lives of three top Highlanders executive committee members and a supporter.
FC Hunters coach Nesbert Saruchera said the newboys are now playing for survival, as they currently occupy the last position of safety, with a seven-point cushion.
“We are playing to survive; we need to be up there next season,” said Saruchera.
“So, we are just hoping to collect another set of three points at the weekend, then we go up. We have got a very good team. Yes, we will be at home. I know it’s not going to be easy, but I think the boys are fired up.”
FC Hunters strengthened their squad during the mid-season transfer window, adding exciting winger Mafious Chihweta, Godknows Murwira and Warriors teenage winger Tadiwa Chakuchichi from champions Scottland.
Saruchera also revealed the team expects to have a full-strength squad available.
“All those who had some bit of flu are back,” he said.
“So, it’s going to be game on and like I said, I want those boys to keep on playing in the Premier League so that maybe our team will be as strong as it was before.
“I have got a lot of youngsters. You are going to see them if you pray for us so that maybe we survive. You are going to see a lot of them.”
Another exciting encounter is expected at Ngoni this afternoon when MWOS host FC Platinum in the only match to be played today.
MWOS have been performing inconsistently this year but their coach Lloyd Mutasa insisted they will get it despite giving away their lead twice to settle for an away 2-2 draw at Simba Bhora during the midweek.
“If you score two goals you need to win matches,” Mutasa said.
“I think we need to look at our defensive duties. I think we are still work in progress, we have to work with the finishers as well as the defence line,” said Mutasa.
Fixtures:
Today: MWOS v FC Platinum (Ngoni)
Tomorrow: Manica Diamonds v Triangle (Sakubva), Simba Bhora v AGAMA (Wadzanayi), FC Hunters v Herentals (Heart), Bulawayo Chiefs v ZPC Kariba (Luveve), TelOne v CAPS United (Ascot), Ngezi Platinum Stars v Hardrock (Baobab)
Postponed: Highlanders v Chicken Inn (Barbourfields), Dynamos v Scottland (Rufaro)
