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Tadious Manyepo-Sports Reporter
CAPS United coach Lloyd Chitembwe says his charges need to show maturity in the spectacle associated with playing against old foes Highlanders.
The two giants clash at Barbourfields in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League tomorrow.
Strangely, it’s CAPS United who will be at home after all Harare teams were forced to look for alternative venues due to the non-availability of grounds fit to host Premiership matches in the capital.
Makepekepe, along with other giants Dynamos have settled for Barbourfields which is ironically the home of Bulawayo side Highlanders, with whom the two teams battle against for bragging rights.
While there is no doubt about the lucrative nature of the match on the part of Makepekepe, given the match is likely to attract a bumper crowd, it’s the awkward nature of the arrangement that will likely play to Bosso’s advantage.
But Chitembwe is a veteran of many battles both as a player and as a coach.
He said he has mature players who shouldn’t have any problems adjusting to playing home games in Bulawayo.
Chitembwe reckons the three-weeks break in league action worked well in helping players to regenerate.
“The feeling is good, and we obviously gave the boys time to regenerate and recover after going for a hectic 12 games non-stop.
“The three weeks’ break was beneficial for everyone across the board.
“Highlanders and CAPS United matches are always a spectacle and it’s a motivation to be part of that documented spectacle,” said Chitembwe.
“The matches attract attention from everyone and that in itself brings motivation and this is what’s all about.
“I am excited to be part of the spectacle.
“These are not boys; they are men (CAPS United players). Football is their way of life. That’s their source of survival. That’s how they earn a living. I am sure they understand what it means even if we are to play home games in Bulawayo. They are well placed to understand all that”.
Makepekepe have been boosted by the return of skipper Tonderai Mateyaunga who has not been well over the past week.
The in-form goalkeeper has been one of the main pillars for CAPS United this season.
And he is exuding confidence ahead of their match against Bosso.
“Playing against Highlanders in Bulawayo while we are the home team feels a bit strange but it’s actually motivating,” said Mateyaunga.
“As players, we know exactly what it means to play against Highlanders.
“This is a very big game, and we are all prepared for it. We have so many supporters in Bulawayo, and we are calling upon them to come and rally the team.
“As CAPS United, we believe that we stand a very good chance of winning trophies this season and we need to notch up wins for us to be counted at the end of the marathon”.
Highlanders are still undefeated 12 games into the race but Mateyaunga says Makepekepe are unfazed by that.
“We approach all matches the same way. The idea is to win the match and not to limit ourselves due to a record held by our opponents,” said Mateyaunga.
“We are a team hungry for success. Everyone wants to be part of the success story and we are eager to go”.
The league programme returns with some exciting matches lined up as champions FC Platinum host Chicken Inn at Mandava while ZPC Kariba will be playing at their Nyamhunga home ground for the first time this season when they host Yadah.
The other exciting fixture pits Dynamos against Black Rhinos at Bata Stadium in Gweru tomorrow. Both teams will be travelling for the match, but Rhinos are technically the home side after agreeing a short lease with the stadium authorities due to the crisis of playing facilities in Harare.
It is also an important match for Dynamos coach Herbert Maruwa who was sitting on a two-match ultimatum when the league programme was disrupted last month.
Dynamos have demanded two wins and Maruwa responded by thrashing ZPC Kariba 3-0 before the games were halted.
Fixtures:
Today: Bulawayo Chiefs v GreenFuel (Luveve), Manica Diamonds v Sheasham (Gibbo), FC Platinum v Chicken Inn (Mandava), Ngezi Platinum Stars v Hwange (Baobab), ZPC Kariba v Yadah (Nyamhunga)
Tomorrow: Black Rhinos v Dynamos (Bata), CAPS Utd v Highlanders (BF), Triangle v Cranborne Bullets (Gibbo), Herentals v Simba Bhora (Mandava)
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