Online Reporter
Blessing Malinganiza
Zimpapers Sports Hub
CAPS United’s title challenge has hit its first real wobble of the season.
Just weeks ago, the Green Machine were setting the pace at the top of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League. Today they find themselves looking over their shoulders after a run of results that has dragged them into an increasingly congested championship battle.
With coach Takesure Chiragwi now back from Warriors duty at the Unity Cup in London, CAPS United will hope his return can help arrest a slide that threatens to undo the good work of the opening months.
Sunday’s clash against ZPC Kariba at Rufaro Stadium suddenly feels bigger than just another league fixture.
CAPS United have won only one of their last six league matches. Three draws and two defeats in that period have yielded just six points from a possible 18, allowing rivals to close the gap and turn the title race into a weekly scramble.
Their most recent setback came last weekend when they fell 2-0 to fellow contenders Scottland, a result that exposed how quickly fortunes can change in a season where every point is proving precious.
The Green Machine now sit fourth on 28 points after 15 matches. They are level on points with leaders Hardrock, Scottland and Herentals, separated only by goal difference in one of the closest title races in recent memory.
That reality makes the next fortnight potentially decisive.
While CAPS United host ZPC Kariba this weekend, fellow contenders Scottland and Herentals face each other in a clash guaranteed to cost one or both sides points. Leaders Hardrock also face a tricky assignment against Simba Bhora.
It presents CAPS United with an opportunity. But first they must rediscover the consistency that briefly made them early favourites for the championship.
The timing of Chiragwi’s return could hardly be better.
The CAPS coach missed the club’s last two matches while serving the Warriors technical team in London, where Zimbabwe claimed bronze at the Unity Cup.
Club chief executive Morton Dodzo confirmed Chiragwi has already resumed duties and was back on the training ground this week.
“Coach Chiragwi is back with the team, and he has already resumed his duties. In fact, he took charge of training today as we began preparations for our next league match,” said Dodzo.
“We are delighted to have him back because his presence is important to the players and the technical set-up.”
Although CAPS United continued to function during his absence, Dodzo believes the return of the head coach gives the squad an important lift ahead of a demanding run of fixtures.
“While he was away on national team duty, the club continued to function as expected, but there is no doubt that having the head coach back on the ground gives the squad an added boost,” he said.
The challenge facing CAPS United is clear.
After Sunday’s encounter with ZPC Kariba, they travel to Bulawayo for a tricky midweek date against Chicken Inn before visiting AGAMA four days later.
Three matches in eight days could go a long way in defining whether the Green Machine remain genuine title contender or finds itself chasing the pack.
Dodzo insists the club remains firmly in the race.
“The title race is very competitive, and every match is crucial. We remain in a strong position despite the recent results, and we believe the coach’s return comes at the right time as we look to regain momentum and continue pushing towards our objectives,” he said.
The CAPS chief also said the club takes pride in Chiragwi’s involvement with the national team.
“Coach Chiragwi’s involvement with the national team is something we are proud of as a club because it reflects the quality of work being done at CAPS United.
“At the same time, we are happy to have him back and fully focused on helping the club maintain its challenge at the top of the table.
“We have always believed in this group of players and technical staff. The season is still long and there is everything to play for.”
For CAPS United, the equation is straightforward.
The title race is tighter. The margin for error is smaller. Another stumble could prove costly. And with Chiragwi back in the dugout, the Green Machine knows the time for a response is now.
