Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo
Zimpapers Sports Hub
CAPS United coach Takesure Chiragwi said the dry spell that the Green Machine are enduring isn’t a sign of weakness but evidence of the competitive nature of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.
For the first time, since the start of the season, some Makepekepe fans turned against Chiragwi after the team’s flat goalless draw against struggling Agama at Wadzanai last Sunday.
This is despite the fact that the Green Machine, in second place, are only four points behind leaders Scottland.
“We’re okay. Look where we are,” Chiragwi said.
“So far, so good. There’s no need to panic. This is what we want and where we are, we’re very comfortable. We know we’re competing.
“The league is very competitive. There are no easy games but I don’t think there is any reason to be under pressure.
“We are competing well and where we are on the log is ideal. There is a lot of football still to be played.”
Yet goal-scoring has particularly been the Green Machine’s biggest undoing this season despite the team’s ability to create so many scoring opportunities.
“At the end of the day, only the goals you score count. Every player in the team has the responsibility to score,” said Chiragwi.
“We’re where we are because we’ve been scoring goals, and that’s how we’ve got the points to be there. I think we’re okay with where we are right now.
“When you talk about the performance, it’s about how they play. The only missing link is getting the ball behind the net.
“When you’re playing well, we’re not worried, because what’s important is to correct that missing link.”
He added:
“Then the good performance they’re putting in will come with maximum points and goals.
“There are positives you need to take into consideration apart from scoring. I understand everyone wants the team to score and win – that’s normal in football.
“But we’re also playing against teams that want to win. They defend very well and deny us goals.
“But, look at how we are able to defend. Look at how we hold our positions, how we control games for 90 minutes.
“If you only focus on the fact that we hit the post, you’ll lose everything. You just need to take the positives from what we are doing well and build from there.
“When you get the opportunity, sometimes you just need to take it. That’s football.
I’m always happy about how these guys get into those situations.
“If you’re controlling the game and creating real chances, not forcing them, then it’s only a matter of time before you score. On a good day, you get maximum points.”
CAPS United face Herentals, who like them, have been struggling to take on board maximum points.
This Harare Derby fixture is slated for Rufaro on Saturday.
