Online Reporter
Bruce Chikuni
Sports Reporter
CAPS United director Farai Jere has been pushed to the corner and might be forced to wield the axe on his favourite coach, Lloyd Chitembwe amid pressure from a section of the fans who no longer want him at the helm.
Yesterday CAPS United suffered a 2-1 defeat at home to FC Platinum to come crashing down after the brief reprieve offered by the 1-0 win over Yadah on Saturday.
Chitembwe had been given two games to take charge while a review of the technical department was being done following the arrival of former CAPS United midfielder and Zambia Under-17 coach, Ian Bakala.
Yesterday’s defeat puts pressure back on Jere and Chitembwe amid continued pressure from a section of supporters.
This was CAPS United’s sixth defeat of the season in the first nine fixtures of the Castle Lager Premiership.
Many felt sorry for CAPS United after seeing how Chitembwe had lined up his side in what was supposed to be a heavyweight clash.
Chitembwe paired Hastings Chapusha and Bruce Kangwa as his central defenders.
His defensive unit had two players playing out of position, Eric Manokore, a defensive midfielder, and Bruce Kangwa, a left back.
Deploying Rodwell Chinyengetere, a striker, as a defensive midfielder, summed up why a section of Makepekepe fans had no confidence in their slim chances of upsetting the visitors.
Makepekepe made an injury substitution, replacing Chapusha with Brighton Manhire, leaving them with only Kelvin Mangiza as the only player playing in his natural position in their defense.
As a result, Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya fired the visitors ahead in the 26th minute off a defense splitting pass from Jaison Selemani.
Selemani almost extended their lead two minutes later, but his strike from range went just off target.
Ngwenya failed to add his second as he misplaced his attempt with only the goal in sight in the 30th minute.
CAPS United needed the brilliance of Jayden Bakare, who provided the scoring chance for Junior Bunjira, who made no mistake from close range after the restart.
Ngwenya registered his second of the day off a brilliant low cross from Davison Marowa.
Chitembwe sent his assistant, Tonderai Marime, to address journalists.
“Fans are justified to say whatever they are saying, but it’s too early to make any conclusions,” said Marime.
“I believe this technical team has what it takes to turn the corner. If you look at it, last week we won, and that win saw us moving away from relegation.
“We just need to be consistent and win maybe two games. We have always been in these situations for the past seasons, and we have also managed to come out on top.”
Mapeza’s men have now managed 13 points in nine fixtures.
He refuted claims that there was a time he admitted to being under pressure to win as he came to this match on the back of seven draws.
