admin
Eddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
CAPS United might have lost ground in their battle to win the Castle Lager Premiership title, following their Harare Derby defeat, but the Green Machine believe the war is not yet lost. Makepekepe slipped one place down the ladder to fifth on the log table, six points behind their bitter rivals, but utility player Hardlife Zvirekwi feels their quest for honours is still alive.
“It’s always difficult to lose this Harare Derby,” said Zvirekwi.
“We all wanted to win it, we fought very hard especially in the second half but we just couldn’t get the goals. Right now it’s tough for everyone.
“I felt that we played well but just that one moment, when we allowed them to get their goal, changed the whole complexion of the game. We made a mistake and we were punished for it.”
The Zimbabwe international said the Green Machine have made a lot of strides and it would be an insult to their fans to throw in the towel right now.
“It’s still game on. It’s far from over. We lost a battle not the war. We have to pick ourselves up and continue fighting,” said Zvirekwi.
Dynamos captain, Murape Murape, feels the Glamour Boys need to keep their focus despite opening a two-point cushion at the top of the table.
DeMbare were yesterday still reveling in their victory which Murape described as “awesome”.
Oscar Machapa’s brilliant first half goal against his former team made all the difference.
Murape said CAPS United were one of the biggest obstacles which stood in their path to win a third straight championship.
DeMbare edged the Green Machine 1-0 to take their points tally to 41 ahead of second-placed Harare City who stumbled on the road after they were held to a 2-2 draw at Gishon Ntini’s Triangle.
Championship contenders Highlanders also dropped points when they suffered a 1-0 defeat at Barbourfields when they fell 1-0 to How Mine in a Bulawayo derby.
Dark horses FC Platinum dismissed Monomotapa to ease into fourth place on the log standings with 36 points, five adrift of the leaders.
However, it was Dynamos who made the most significant strides at the weekend in the championship race, besides claiming the bragging rights in the capital’s biggest showdown.
“Beating CAPS United always bring overwhelming joy to us. These people have not been able to beat us for the last four years and what made Sunday’s victory awesome is the fact that CAPS United had not lost a match in their last 10 assignments.
“This was one of the biggest hurdles that we needed to clear because CAPS United were doing well in their last games. But the journey continues because we have some equally difficult games ahead, most of them away.
“It’s easy to climb to the top of the table but always difficult to stay there but we will try to keep our eyes fixed on the title. We have come a long way and the distance left is now shorter.
“We need consistency and ruthlessness, concentrating only on collecting maximum points. There is no need to be big-headed because we are not champions yet. I am happy for Oscar, his goal was marvelous and as a team we should keep up the positive spirit,” said Murape.
Machapa’s goal made the big difference between the two teams as the script for these Harare derbies has become so predictable in recent years.
DeMbare, playing with one striker Washington Pakamisa, failed to take their chances early on while the Green Machine dominated the second half but terribly fell short upfront.
Dynamos have one of the most difficult courses to chart with some challenging away assignments.
They will play five of their remaining nine games outside Harare as they are set to travel to Hwange, Highlanders, FC Platinum, Triangle and Chicken Inn.
DeMbare have have not lost a game at their Rufaro fortress this season,
Callisto Pasuwa’s men on Sunday stretched their remarkable run to 31 games unbeaten at Rufaro since last year.
On the flip side, their record outside Harare has not been that impressive for a side gunning for the championship.
The Glamour Boys now appear set for a real test of character as they have managed only one win against Tripple B on neutral venue at Mandava on the five occasions they played outside the capital city this year.
DeMbare were held to a 1-1 draw by Shabanie Mine at Maglas back in April on their first away trip.
They were then beaten 2-3 by Buffaloes at Sakubva for their first defeat of the season, which also ended an unbeaten run of 14 games.
Dynamos’ away fortunes continued on the downside with a 1-0 loss against How Mine at Luveve before drawing 0-0 with lowly Black Rhinos at Rimuka.
But with the championship race now in a delicate stage, Pasuwa said it was important to win consistently in their remaining games.
“As you know the race is too close this year. So we need to collect all the points along the way,” said Pasuwa.
Online Reporter