Chronicle EditorGrace Chingoma Senior Sports Reporter
BULAWAYO City have vowed to inflict more pain on champions CAPS United when the two sides meet this afternoon in a Castle Lager Premiership match at Hartsfield. City coach Mandla Mpofu says they want to improve their league position following another outstanding performance last weekend when they beat ZPC Kariba 3-2. “We are playing the defending champions. They lost to Dynamos, but they are a good side. But we also want a win which will take us to number seven on the log.
“The boys are hungry for another victory soon after playing well against ZPC Kariba. I think it will be another exciting match, we want to win the game tomorrow (today),” he said.
The Bulawayo City Council side have been blowing hot and cold in the league.
“CAPS United have always been a dangerous team and are a good side. We are motivated after the weekend’s victory, it’s a plus for us, but we don’t need to be complacent,” he said.
Mpofu will be without forward Mkhululi Moyo, who scored the opener at Hartsfield during a penalties galore-filled tie which saw three spot kicks being given on the day.
Bulawayo City goalkeeper Ndodana Sibanda scored the winning penalty after ZPC Kariba’s Godknows Mangani had again levelled terms from the spot.
Also missing is defender Nyasha Mukumbi.
Both players are nursing injuries.
However, City will not be short on arsenal with youthful forward Clive Rupiya expected to feature prominently.
Rupiya, who scored a double against Dynamos in a high-scoring encounter in the first half of the season, has been getting better with each passing match.
Mpofu believes the young player has excelled and is clearly the outstanding player in the league among those registered as developmental players.
“Clive had a blinder of a game on Saturday. We expect him to do well again against CAPS United. I will give him confidence to play his normal game against the champions.
“So far, I believe he has been the teenager to have given his best in the league compared to other young players.
“He scored two goals against Dynamos and that is rare especially coming from a young player. The future is really bright for this young man,” said Mpofu.
CAPS United have gone two matches without getting a goal.
Assistant coach Fungai Tostao Kwashi remained upbeat ahead of their Bulawayo battle.
Lloyd Chitembwe’s charges will return to Bulawayo again when they meet Bantu Rovers at the same venue at the weekend.
The Green Machine welcome back chief striker Dominic Chungwa who missed the Harare Derby through suspension.
The forward has scored nine goals and Makepekepe desperately need his goals as they continue to play the catch up.
Fixtures
Tomorrow: Hwange v Bantu Rovers (Colliery)
Friday: Ngezi Platinum v Harare City (Baobab).
Saturday: FC Platinum v How Mine (Mandava), Black Rhinos v Bulawayo City (Rufaro, 3pm, SS), Chicken Inn v Yadah (Hartsfield), Chapungu v Shabanie (Ascot), Tsholotsho v ZPC Kariba (Dulivadzimo).
Sunday: Bantu Rovers v CAPS United (Hartsfield), Triangle v Hwange (Gibbo), Dynamos v Highlanders (Rufaro, 3pm, SS)
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