Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ON a day when stalemates ruled the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League, it was CAPS United’s hard-fought 1-0 victory over Yadah Stars that provided a welcome break from the monotony and perhaps a glimmer of hope for their embattled coach, Lloyd Chitembwe.
At a sun-drenched Rufaro Stadium where tension crackled in the air, Chitembwe yesterday cut an unusually subdued figure.
Gone was the trademark black Mercedes-Benz that often heralded his arrival; gone too was the animated touchline conductor that CAPS fans have come to both fear and admire.
Instead, Chitembwe slipped quietly into the dugout, a passenger in another’s vehicle, leaving many to wonder if fate or superstition was at work.
For much of the afternoon, the game mirrored CAPS’ recent struggles, lots of promising build-up play, but little to show for it.
Yet the sense of desperation was palpable. With just four points before kick-off and a two-game ultimatum hanging over his head,
Chitembwe watched as his charges probed and prodded a stubborn Yadah side led by the evergreen Evans Rusike.
Makepekepe’s first real warning shot came early when Mabiala Love’s effort forced a desperate intervention from Yadah’s Ariel Makopa.
But the longer the game remained goalless, the more the ghosts of missed opportunities haunted the Green Machine.
It took a moment of calm amid the chaos to finally pierce the gloom.
In the 80th minute, veteran midfielder Rodwell Chinyengetere rose to meet Eric Manokore’s whipped corner and planted his header beyond Tymone Mvula to send the CAPS faithful into wild celebrations.
Still, Yadah refused to wilt. Jerry Chipangura fluffed a golden chance to level in injury time, while goalkeeper Harmony Nare’s stunning late save from King Nadolo’s header preserved CAPS’ precious lead and perhaps their coach’s job.
As Chitembwe quietly shook hands at the final whistle, it was hard not to wonder: Was this a temporary reprieve or the first step towards redemption?
Assistant coach Tonderai Marume was keen to strike an optimistic tone afterwards.
“We set goals at the start of the season and the dream is still alive,” said Marume. “It wasn’t easy, but the boys fought. The pressure is always there, but today they responded.”
For Yadah, coach Ikabort Masocha bemoaned missed chances but insisted better days lie ahead.
“We played well. You could see the hunger. We are building something strong,” he said.
Around the grounds
Manica Diamonds 1-1 Chicken Inn
In Mutare, Manica Diamonds’ struggles to close out games continued as they surrendered a lead for the second consecutive week.
A brilliant Bret Amidu free-kick put the hosts ahead, but Joseph Thulani capitalised on a goalkeeping error to snatch a point for a depleted Chicken Inn.
Joey Antipas praised his young squad for their resilience, while Jairos Tapera admitted his side’s wastefulness was becoming a worrying trend.
Simba Bhora 0-0 MWOS
At Wadzanai Stadium, league newcomers MWOS further cemented their fairy tale start by frustrating Simba Bhora in a tense goalless draw. MWOS, unbeaten in eight games, showed defensive discipline against a Simba side that wasted late chances.
Joel Lupahla hailed the visitors’ organisation, while MWOS coach Lloyd Mutasa insisted their priority remains survival despite sitting proudly at the summit.
Bikita Minerals 1-1 Ngezi Platinum
At Gibbo Stadium, Bikita Minerals continued to punch above their weight, holding title hopefuls Ngezi Platinum to a 1-1 draw.
Chelsea Nyakope punished a defensive mix-up to fire Bikita ahead, but Takunda Benhura’s second-half equaliser saved Ngezi’s blushes. Bikita’s on-loan goalkeeper Taona Temera was outstanding, producing a string of saves to deny his parent club.
TelOne 1-1 Highlanders
TelOne and Highlanders also shared the spoils in a lively encounter. Highlanders needed a late equaliser to rescue a point after the WiFi Boys had gone ahead early, in a match where both sides rued missed opportunities.
ZPC Kariba 0-0 Scottland
It was a game of few chances at Nyamhunga Stadium as ZPC Kariba and Scottland settled for a goalless draw that did little to lift either side’s fortunes.
Verdict
While draws dominated the landscape, CAPS United’s nervy win at Rufaro and the emotional undercurrents swirling around Chitembwe provided a rare, captivating subplot.
However, the drama is far from over.
