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Langton Nyakwenda Sports Reporter
WHILE Dynamos are in a better space and enjoying some revival going into the Battle of Zimbabwe clash against Highlanders on Sunday, there is one big question lingering in the minds of those in the green half of the capital.
Are things falling apart again at CAPS United?.
Without a win in their last six league games, Makepekepe have the worst record in the top flight in the last five rounds, as they limp into fortress Mandava for a cagey match against defending champions FC Platinum on Saturday.
CAPS United and Bulawayo Chiefs are the only teams in the league without a win in the last five rounds of the 2023 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.
Makepekepe are now 15 points behind log leaders Highlanders and just four above the relegation zone going into the last 13 games of the season.
They have not scored in their last four games, and they have only ZPC Kariba for company, as the electricians are the only other side that has not found the back of the net for at least 360 minutes of action.
Yet there was a lot of hope amongst CAPS United’s legion of supporters at the beginning of the season. After an active offseason, in which they brought in a number of players including former Warriors utility player Kelvin Madzongwe, Innocent Zambezi and ex-DeMbare star Godknows Murwira, Makepekepe started the season on a high.
They raked in 11 points in their opening five matches, and even topped the log in the early stages of the season.
Since then, CAPS United have picked only three wins in 16 matches and fired blanks in seven outings.
Resultantly, Makepekepe find themselves in an almost similar situation as they were at this stage last season.
With just four points above the relegation zone, and a single win in 11 matches, alarm bells must surely be ringing in the green half of the capital city.
For the second year running, CAPS United might find themselves battling relegation demons, although there are no player strikes, as yet, this time around.
Makepekepe gaffer Lloyd Chitembwe is once again under the spotlight as he comes face to face with childhood friend Norman Mapeza at Mandava on Saturday.
Chitembwe has blamed a blunt strike force for his club’s troubles.
He revealed his worries after watching his boys labouring to a goalless draw against bottom placed Black Rhinos at Bata in Gweru last Sunday.
“What is missing is capitalising on the chances created and we will keep on working very hard in training,” Chitembwe said.
“I am sure we will get the desired results,” said the former CAPS United star midfielder.
Makepekepe have scored 18 goals in 21 matches, at a rate of 0.85 per game and have conceded 16 times.
If we remove the three goals they were awarded for that abandoned match against Sheasham their scoring rate falls to 0.71 per match.
Their top striker William Manondo, who won the 2022 Golden Boot after banging 17 goals, is still on six goals after 21 rounds this term.
Joseph Thulani, Rodwell Chinyengetere and Clive Rupiya have two goals each while Blessing Sarupinda and the estranged Adrian Silla have one apiece.
However, Chitembwe has been in these situations before and he has proved he is the man Makepekepe can trust when the ship is rocking, like it is now.
“The team has been in this position before and still managed to rise so I have every reason to believe that Makepekepe will soon start to pick up wins,” said Tafadzwa Dahwa, a staunch CAPS United supporter from St Mary’s in Chitungwiza.
The revival mission starts at Mandava on Saturday where CAPS United have one win against FC Platinum since the Zvishavane side’s promotion in 2011.
Online Reporter
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