Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda-Zimpapers Sports Hub
CAPS United midfielder Talent Chamboko believes Makepekepe are ready to land a statement blow on Sunday when they face defending champions Scottland in one of the biggest games of the season so far.
The clash at the National Sports Stadium is not just about points. It is a meeting between the league leaders and the champions, with both sides carrying foreign talent, pressure and expectation into a fixture already stirring debate around the domestic game.
Scottland could throw in Ghanaian midfielder Issaka Mohamed, Namibian defender Moses Shidolo and Eswatini international Kwakhe Twala while CAPS United are expected to rely on Malawian duo Chawananga Kaonga and Lloyd Njaliwa. But amid the imported talent and noise around the big names, Chamboko is quietly rebuilding his own career in green and white.
The Chitungwiza-born left back returned to Harare at the start of the season after years spent away from home turning out for ZPC Kariba, Manica Diamonds and Ngezi Platinum Stars.
Now back in the capital and reunited with coach Takesure Chiragwi, Chamboko looks like a player finally finding stability again.
He started in CAPS United’s goalless draw against FC Platinum at Rufaro on Africa Day and is expected to keep his place against Scottland. “My stay at CAPS United has been amazing,” Chamboko told Zimpapers Sports Hub.
“I was welcomed well and settling here has been easy.”
The 28-year-old has often hovered around bigger recognition without fully breaking through. He has missed out on Soccer Stars selection more than once and has also remained outside the national team picture despite consistent performances over the years.
Still, there are many in local football who believe Chamboko has long deserved more attention. And at CAPS United, the spotlight naturally becomes bigger.
But for Chamboko, this move was not only about football.
It was about home.
“Staying at home with my family after years on the road makes me feel better,” he said.
“Home is always best.”
CAPS United head into Sunday’s showdown carrying momentum and belief after a strong start to the season and Chamboko is not hiding from the occasion.
“We have a big game against Scottland coming up and I am sure we are going to get maximum points,” he said.
“We are ready.”
His adjustment at Makepekepe has also been helped by familiar faces.
Former Ngezi teammates Richard Hachiro, Obriel Chirinda and Kudzai Chigwida are also part of the CAPS United squad, while Chiragwi remains a coach Chamboko knows well.
“I do not feel like a new player here at CAPS United, I already feel at home,” he said.
“I understand what coach Chiragwi wants because I worked with him at Ngezi.”
Bongani Ndlovu