Online Reporter
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
FAR from the glitz and glamour of Scottland FC and their easy 5-0 win over fading giants, Dynamos, if there is one team that is highly likely to challenge for honours in the 2026 Castle Lager Premiership season, it is none other than CAPS United.
The 2026 Castle Lager Premiership season gets underway today (Friday) with debutants, FC Hunters getting a feel of top-flight football action against last season’s runners-up; MWOS at Rufaro Stadium in Harare.
CAPS United’s spending spree during the transfer window, which saw the Green Machine overhaul their squad, acquiring the services of more than 14 reliable players – eight of them from former champions, Ngezi Platinum – could rekindle the good old days of the Shaisa Mufaro fame when they deservedly became part of the then Big Three.
Back then, they earned the country’s Cup Kings tag!
Among their new signings from Ngezi Platinum are proven goal poacher, Takunda Benhura, Delic Murimba, Obriel Chirinda, Kudzai Chigwida, Nyasha Gurende, ex-Manica Diamonds defender, Talent Chamboko, MacDonald Makuwe, and Richard Hachiro.
Benhura won the 2023 Golden Boot Award after finishing the season as the highest goal scorer with 13 goals.
The Flames of Malawi duo of Lloyd Njaliwa and Chawananga Kaonga, former Manica Diamonds creative midfielder, Bret Amudi, winger, Davison Marowa and goalkeeper, Wallace Magalane, are some of the players on CAPS United’s new signings list.
Mutare-born CAPS United captain, Phineus Bhamusi told Post Sport that 2026 has been one of the best preseason periods he has witnessed in his decade-long stay at the club.
“As a team, we are hoping for a good season ahead. We are hoping to bring back the good old days for CAPS United. Considering that we struggled with our game last season, the zeal to perform better this season is visible. We are happy that as a team, the preseason preparations we had were one of the best since I joined the club. We are going all out so that we will be the champions come end of the season,” said Bhamusi.
CAPS United are back home and ready for the season after their two-week pre-season camp in Malawi, which their coach, Takesure Chiragwi, described as significantly transformative.
The Green Machine has been fine-tuning for the upcoming 2026 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season in the Warm Heart of Africa for two weeks.
Makepekepe beat Lilongwe giants, Silver Strikers 1-0 and 3-0 in back-to-back sparring games, before they forced a goalless draw at army side, MAFCO to wrap the friendly series without conceding any goals.
Friendly matches being friendly matches, can be misleading and the nation’s football-loving public awaits to see whether this really marks the return of the Shaisa Mufaro era.
Elsewhere in the top-flight league, Mutare-based outfit, Manica Diamonds will be hoping for a change of fortunes in their performance in their 2026 season. The Mutare outfit survived relegation by the skin of their teeth last season.
They face Simba Bhora at Gibbo Stadium, Triangle on Sunday.
Their coach, Tafadzwa Mashiri, said: “The last week of preparations for Manica Diamonds marked the end of our preseason training. This preseason preparatory process encompassed all facets of the game including the mental, tactical, physical and technical aspects. We covered considerable ground in our preparations, and we have also played practice matches along the way. We are seeing many positives and good signs.
“We should be ready as the season starts. Our first match is against Simba Bhora. We need a strong start to build on as the season progresses. That is supposed to give us the motivation and confidence as we move forward. Most of the players are looking sharp and raring to go. In fact, the season promises to be very competitive looking at how teams have recruited. We just hope and pray for the best in our first match going forward.”
