Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo
Zimpapers Sports Hub
CAPS United coach Takesure Chiragwi must be wondering what befell his charges during one critical phase of what should have been a remarkable title push.
This is because the Green Machine are firing from all angles, dominating their opponents and winning games, sometimes very easily so.
But the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title is already beyond their fight after dropping too many points in the second third of the race.
Nevertheless, a top four finish is well within their reach and they are also in contention for two trophies including the Munhumutapa Cup, which will give them a ticket to compete in the CAF Confederation Cup.
They have now gone over seven weeks without defeat and their form and confidence was in evidence at Ngoni on Saturday where they beat MWOS for the very first time.
Ishmael Wadi, in sniffer dog style, squeezed in a header in the first half.
They were dominant and otherwise unlucky not to widen that margin although MWOS should take credit in the manner they fought hard, especially in the second half.
Towards the tail end, MWOS’ fight was undone by their own desperation as Tinotenda Mutyambizi earned himself a dismissal for a second yellow card inside only three minutes.
But for the joyous CAPS United coach Takesure Chiragwi, all what mattered was the fact that the Harare giants finally got a way to mute MWOS and, even sweeter, at their home, with the result dragging them nearer their top-four target.
“Yeah, I will give glory to God. I want to thank God so much.
“We started well, on the front foot, to make sure our game went the way we planned it.
“We really wanted to win it in the first half, because we knew if we couldn’t manage that, it was going to be very difficult.
“MWOS is a very, very good team – tactically and also in terms of ball retention. At the end of the day, both teams enjoy playing, keeping possession and playing offensively.”
He added:
“We wanted to be better than them. We tried to diffuse their strength in terms of starting play from the back and I think we did well on that.
“The guys had a lot of energy to close all the spaces.
“The good thing we did was to keep our distances.
“I think the way we are playing, if we can keep that momentum, can help us be in the top four at the end of the marathon.
“We are really trying hard to ensure we pick the points because we are reaching the end of the race. We want to play well and be able to finish strongly.”
Chiragwi reserved special mention for fit again long-time injury victim Wesley Milanzi who put up a good show at the back.
Milanzi started at the right side of defence in a three-man backline before he shifted into a centre back with Kudzi Chigwida when Chiragwi resorted to a back four as Makepekepe defended their slender advantage with all they had.
“I think Wesley Milanzi showed the kind of hunger everyone should always show,” said Chiragwi.
“It’s unfortunate he spent the better part of the race on the sidelines but the fight he is giving even at training is very encouraging.”
