Chitembwe remains defiant

Chitembwe reckoned that the slump which CAPS United have been going through is “normal for any team’’.
As the league programme reaches the halfway mark Makepekepe are in ninth position and 13 points behind pacesetters Highlanders.
CAPS United find themselves in unfamiliar position in the lower half of the log table while Premiership returnees Buffaloes and modest Shabanie Mine enjoy life among the leading pack.
But Chitembwe feels there is no need to press the panic button just yet.
The former CAPS United and Zimbabwe midfielder also argued that his team should not be judged on the profiles of the players they have.
Despite struggling for consistency CAPS United boast a number team of seasoned players like Nyasha Mukumbi, Evans Gwekwerere, Edmore Sibanda and have acquired former Warriors striker Shingi Kawondera as well as the youthful duo of Leonard Fiyado and Hardlife Zvirekwi.
“Names don’t play football. What’s in a name? It’s not in the name aspect but the desire in an individual to deliver.
“Obviously, it’s disappointing but these things they do happen in football. It is our hope we will get it right again. Obviously in a season there are teams that do well and it is expected. Seasons are never the same.
“The desire of any team is to do the best. I hope we will come right in the second half of the season. Obviously in a season there are teams that do well and it is expected. Seasons are never the same,” said Chitembwe.
The former Shabanie mentor has also welcomed the Premiership break and believes his charges will return to action with their batteries fully charged.
Although, CAPS United will resume action a week earlier before the rest of the Premiership teams, courtesy of their outstanding match against bitter rivals Dynamos, Chitembwe thinks starting the second half of the season with a derby clash will do good for his troops
“I think the derby came at the right time, after disappointing results we needed a thing of this nature and the players will come back refreshed.
“There is no team that can finish the season without dropping points these kind of games don’t need form they will take care of themselves. Even the players they don’t need to be reminded about it. They just understand what it means and the timing of the derby is not bad,” said Chitembwe.
Yesterday, CAPS United had a practice match with Division One side Twalumba at Belgravia Sports Club where injured midfielder Ashley Rambanepasi continued with his rehabilitation by playing a bit part in the game. Chitembwe said the player asked to be part of the training but would be advised by the doctors whether he can start working with the team again. Midfielder Stephen Alimenda and goalkeeper Lovemore Makwavarara also took part in the match but Chitembwe maintained that they were just training with them but CAPS United would not be adding them to their squad list.
The injured duo of goalkeeper Edmore Sibanda and Washington Pakamisa have also begun some light training.