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Tadious Manyepo Sports Reporter
LLOYD Chitembwe says CAPS United have gone through hell this season and will be out to atone for it in the low key Harare Derby against Dynamos at the National Sports Stadium on Sunday.
The veteran gaffer was the difference between Makepekepe’s staying up and sinking after they spent the better part of the season in relegation waters.
The Green Machine struggled to find themselves in the league title race with erratic performances.
They were also knocked out of the Chibuku Super Cup in the first round.
But, Makepekepe, nevertheless fought their way up again, thanks to the mindset change by the players and their technical staff.
And Chitembwe, who is credited for steadying a turbulent CAPS United ship amid some financial crisis during the season, now wants his players to give fans an early Christmas present by winning the Harare Derby against old foes Dynamos on Sunday.
The first instalment of one of the biggest derbies in the continent was almost a non-event as Dynamos steamrolled past Makepekepe in a 3-0 demolition in July.
But Chitembwe believes, this time around, his players have the right mental fortitude to fight for the bragging rights.
“The spirit with the boys is very good. They have shown the right desire to want to play this game.
“What is more important is the mindset of the players and going to this game as the boys look very focused,” said Chitembwe.
“As a coach, you ought to respect this kind of games as they are very important.”
Chitembwe said his team will be out to win Sunday’s match to set the tone for next season.
“We have had a very bad season but that’s part of the game. We will go into this match with a positive mind, try to outplay them and win the match. The season has been indifferent after all so we should go out there and try to make amends. The match against Dynamos is never easy, we know they will try to outperform us in a match that has no pressure whatsoever.
“But whether the match carries any bearing on our position on the log or not doesn’t really matter. Matches against Dynamos are always like cup finals and we will try to win it. There is a lot at stake.”
Chitembwe said his players will be out to prove themselves as he has allowed them to express themselves in this match given there isn’t much to play for.
“There is less pressure and it is generating less interest even from the fans. It will give players room to express themselves as they tend to express themselves more with less pressure on their side. But I think it will be a good game of football.
“As CAPS United it’s not a secret that we went through hell this season. We now want to show our capacity in this last game of the season. We want to atone for our wrongs for the entire season.”
The gaffer saluted CAPS United fans who have stood with the team through thick and thin.
He said the supporters deserve a special match to pay back their trust in the team.
“So we will be trying to bring smiles to the faces of our fans. This is one game that literally has nothing at stake other than the historical sense behind this match.
“The fans stood by the team. It’s not about individuals as I feel the team is bigger than mere individuals. They stood by the team and I am confident it will be crucial for the next season. They deserve a very special mention as moral support was very key.”
Historically, this match has always carried a lot of weight with those who will be at home even hiking gate charges but this time around entry fees remain unchanged.
Online Reporter