Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi
Zimpapers Sports Hub
CAPS Utd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0) 1
FC Platinum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(1) 2
IT is a case of one step forward and another step backwards for ailing Castle Lager Premier Soccer League giants CAPS United.
The Green Machine found themselves stuck in unfamiliar relegation zone, nine rounds into the season, after losing a tightly contested match to FC Platinum at Rufaro yesterday.
Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya was the destroyer-in-chief with a brace completed either side of the half, while hard-running CAPS United winger, Junior Bunjira, provided the consolation for the home team early in the second stanza.
The result left a section of the Green Machine fans confounded and police again had to disperse a small crowd of disgruntled fans blocking the main exit at the end of the match.
The CAPS United faithful are still keen for answers following a poor start. They have received mixed signals on head coach Lloyd Chitembwe, who was reportedly given a two-match ultimatum last week.
This means Chitembwe has been 50 percent successful after Makepekepe won against Yadah last weekend.
But CAPS United could count themselves unlucky after giving a good account yesterday and only to be punished because of their persistent defensive frailties.
Assistant coach Tonderai Marume, who has virtually taken over the media duties from Chitembwe in the era or their poor run, yesterday showed up at the post-match conference dejected, and rued the defensive mishaps.
“When defending, every team has a moment when they make mistakes. But what hurts most is when you make a mistake and then the opponents get a goal from that . . . So, we are very unfortunate that whenever we make mistakes, we concede goals,” said Marume.
Makepekepe found themselves trailing after only 24 minutes when Thubelihle Jubane threaded a pass that caught the Green Machine backline at sea.
Ngwenya finished with aplomb after rounding badly exposed goalkeeper Harmony Nare.
The platinum miners could have added a second moments later, but Ngwenya somehow failed to connect a cross from Jubane on the left flank.
FC Platinum enjoyed marginal dominance but could not fashion out clear-cut chances.
CAPS United got a lifeline soon after the restart when Jayden Bakari controlled the ball well inside the box and dispatched a low ball across the face of goal which Kundai Benyu missed on the run.
But Bunjira, who was lurking at the back post, made no mistake as he bundled the ball home for the equaliser.
The hosts seized the momentum from then, and midfielder Tanaka Shandirwa almost caught goalkeeper David Bizabani off-guard with a free-kick that was dipping into the roof.
However, Bizabani produced a quick reflex to parry the ball out and keep the scores level midway in the second half.
Makepekepe’s wobbly defence was rattled further when Hastings Chapusha was stretchered off injured with 20 minutes remaining.
They encountered further setback on the 77th minute when FC Platinum’s second half substitute Davison Marowa picked the ball in the box and played it back to Ngwenya who poked the ball home with the aid of the upright post.
CAPS United still did not throw in the towel and Bunjira watched in despair as his last-minute bullet shot from a distance zoomed just over.
Chitembwe’s men remained third from the bottom with seven points from nine games.
But Marume is still not panicking.
“It’s still too early because we have only played a few games. And if you look at it, last week we just got three points and got away from relegation,” said Marume.
“We just need to be consistent; win one or two matches and then we’ll be in a better position. But it’s not easy. It’s something that you cannot take easily.
“We just have to make sure we improve each and every day so that we don’t always play in that zone. We are not meant to be there.”
But things are looking up for FC Platinum after claiming priceless points away in Harare.
This was only their second win of the season, having drawn seven of their nine matches. They moved to eighth place on the log standings.
The miners have been displaying good football of late but somehow they could not convert their dominance into wins.
Yesterday’s victory came on the back of six draws in succession and coach Norman Mapeza told journalists his team was rewarded for keeping a positive mindset.
“I knew it was going to happen,” he said.
“I mean, for the boys, they worked so hard.
“It wasn’t easy for us. I was talking to the boys, it’s all about belief, and we kept believing. And coming back home with a massive result like this. CAPS United are a very good side, quality side.
“They played very good football. Second half, they came at us. I think we looked very organised defensively.
“So, at the end of the day, congratulations to our boys. They worked so hard,” said Mapeza.
Teams:
CAPS Utd: Harmony Nare, Erick Manokore (E. Mbollo, 80th min), Bruce Kangwa, Hastings Chapusha (B. Manhire, 70th min), Kelvin Mangiza, Kundai Benyu, Phineas Bamusi, Tanaka Shandirwa, Rodwell Chinyengetere, Jayden Bakari, Junior Bunjira
FC Platinum: David Bizabani, Thubelihle Ndlovu, Nickson Nyasulu, Thubelihle Jubani, Mbongeni Ndlovu, Brian Banda, Polyester Shoko, Divine Mhindirira (J. Nguluve, 90th min), Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya (M. Ngwenya, 82nd min), Jarrison Selemani (D. Marowa, 68th min), Oscar Bhebhe
