Eddie Chikamhi-Zimpapers Sports Hub
CAPS Utd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
Simba Bhora . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
GIANTS CAPS United and 2024 champions Simba Bhora served up a disappointing stalemate as they played out a goalless draw in a drab Castle Lager Premiership encounter at Rufaro yesterday.
Neither side showed enough attacking ambition to merit maximum points, with chances few and far between in a match largely dominated by defensive discipline rather than attacking flair.
While CAPS United midfielders Kundai Benyu and Lloyd Njaliwa tried to inject some urgency into the hosts’ play, Simba Bhora’s back-line stood firm throughout.
Veteran defender Webster Tafa, alongside imposing centre-back pairing Lawrence Chaziya and Kennedy Eib, marshalled the defence superbly to frustrate the Green Machine.
CAPS United, depleted by injuries and illness, struggled to break down a well-organised Simba Bhora side.
Takesure Chiragwi attributed his team’s flat display to the psychological effects of last week’s Munhumutapa Challenge Cup elimination at the hands of FC Hunters.
“I think we need to appreciate the effort from the boys. Coming from the game we played in the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup, psychologically it was difficult to get them back, especially during training,” said Chiragwi.
“But I think we did well today. We can’t say we lost two points because we were playing a team that also wanted to win. The boys worked hard and pushed throughout.
“We need to keep motivating them so that we finish the season in a respectable position.
“Of course, when you are playing at home, you want to take advantage and collect maximum points. But at times you also have to appreciate a point because it adds to your tally.”
The result lifted Makepekepe one place up the table to fifth position on 48 points, extending their unbeaten run in the league to five matches and keeping alive hopes of a top-four finish.
CAPS United were forced to reshuffle their leadership structure, with regular captains Richard Hachiro, Kudzai Chigwida and Bruce Kangwa all unavailable because of fitness concerns.
Striker Ishmael Wadi wore the captain’s armband, while midfielder Tanaka Shandirwa also missed out after sustaining an injury in training.
Despite enjoying the better share of possession, the hosts created very few clear-cut openings. Benyu and Njaliwa worked tirelessly in midfield, but Simba Bhora’s defence coped comfortably with most attacks, especially aerial balls into the box.
Wadi produced CAPS United’s first meaningful effort when he improvised a shot on the turn, but his effort flew over the crossbar. At the other end, CAPS goalkeeper Victor James was called into action soon after the restart when he denied Harrison Masina after the striker had been released by Ronald Chitiyo.
Masina later squandered Simba Bhora’s best chance of the afternoon. Through on goal and one-on-one with James, the forward dragged his shot wide of the target.
The visitors, however, suffered injury setbacks of their own, losing key defenders Webster Tafa and Kennedy Eib, both of whom were stretchered off during the second half.
Despite seeing his side extend an unwanted win-less run to eight matches, Simba Bhora coach Mandla Mpofu was content with a point away from home.
The 2024 champions remain 11th on the table with 35 points and have not tasted victory since their 2-0 win over Bulawayo Chiefs on July 11.
“A point gained, I think. It was not an easy game for us,” said Mpofu.
“Coming from a loss, it was always going to be difficult against CAPS United. Our games against CAPS are normally entertaining and competitive.
“I thought we maintained a good structure, particularly in the first half, although we didn’t attack enough. We had one opportunity where I felt McCartney could have done better.
“In the second half, we became more aggressive going forward and, on another day, Harrison could have scored from that one-on-one situation. He did everything right but missed by inches.
“Overall, we showed very good organisation, especially in the last 20 minutes when we came under pressure.”
The point did little to satisfy either side, but on the balance of play a share of the spoils was the fairest outcome from an afternoon that never truly came to life.
Teams:
CAPS Utd: Victor James, Talent Chamboko, Wesley Milanzi, Nyasha Gurende, Lloyd Njaliwa, Junior Kun-ashe Chando, Kundai Benyu (Uchizi Vunga, 60th min), Davison Marowa (Chris Mugalu, 60th min), Takunda Benhura (Junior Bunjira, 68th min), Ishmael Wadi, Obriel Chirinda (Brett Amidu, 83rd min)
Simba Bhora: First Gandisani, Webster Tafa (Nomore Tsabora, 83rd min), Lawrence Chaziya, Ishmael Nyanhi, Butholezwe Ncube, Kennedy Eib (Farai Banda, 83rd min), Ronald Chitiyo (Shephard Mhlanga, 84th min), Blessed Ndereki, Naweseb McCartney (Ephraim Gwekwerere, 68th min), Harrison Masina, Munashe Chakuchichi (Takunda Nyamheto, 60th min)
