dyton mupawaenda
Langton Nyakwenda-Zimpapers Sports Hub
FLANKED by skipper Eric “Cantona” Manokore and England-born midfielder Kundai Benyu, CAPS United coach Lloyd Chitembwe looked calm and collected, as usual, when he addressed the media after the team’s training session on Thursday.
He also had time for some casual talk with the football journalists who attended the presser at Standard Chartered Sports Club.
The 2016 championship winning gaffer could afford to smile. He has a full complement ahead of what looks like a daunting task against the star-studded Scottland at Rufaro Stadium this afternoon.
It is Makepekepe’s first match at Rufaro this season, after last weekend’s 1-1 draw at GreenFuel.
They host Scottland, whose massive social media presence has elevated this duel to blockbuster levels.
Khama Billiat’s return to fitness is another major draw for this encounter. The star player is likely to make his Scottland debut this afternoon.
Fans will also have the chance for an up-close with Benyu, the former Warriors star midfielder who won many hearts with a gutsy performance at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Cameroon.
His call-up drew considerable criticism for then-Warriors coach Norman Mapeza.
In response, Benyu validated the coach’s belief in him by showcasing an exceptional performance, the influence of which reached as far as Iceland, where he competed in league football with Vestri.
“Kundai’s call-up is raising the profile of Icelandic leagues in Africa. We are a very good footballing country,” said Vestri chairman Samuel Sigurjon Samuelsson.
Sadly, Benyu’s form dipped after the 2021 AFCON finals, and the former Celtic star disappeared from the radar.
Once described by former Celtic and Liverpool coach Brendan Rodgers as a player for the future, Benyu’s spectacular fall from grace after the 2021 AFCON was shocking.
He moved from Vestri but remained in Iceland with IB Vestmannaeyja. His contract with the latter expired on December 31, 2022.
After that, Benyu went for two years without a club until January 19, when he made a sensational move to CAPS United.
The 27-year-old made his Castle Lager Premier Soccer League debut against GreenFuel last weekend.
He is now set to play at Rufaro for the first time in a career that has seen him feature for a number of European teams, including Ipswich of England and Helsingborg IF in Sweden.
Benyu has spent the last 50 days in Zimbabwe, enough time for him to make a judgement on the country and its football.
“Obviously, people in Europe and England may not know much about Zimbabwe, or even African football, but the standard is higher than a lot of people would think.
“So, yeah, that has impressed me,” Benyu said.
Scottland’s debut Premiership match against Triangle United drew a decent crowd at the same venue last weekend, but this one against CAPS United should attract more.
Benyu knows Zimbabweans love their football and they pack stadiums if their teams are performing well.
That is why he is relishing the opportunity to play in front of an anticipated huge crowd at Rufaro this afternoon.
“I am very excited,” said Benyu.
“We are raring to go; all of us are excited.
“This is our first home game, a big home game. So, yeah, we’re just looking forward to repaying the faith of the fans by collecting three points.”
Benyu has settled well at CAPS United, and is often seen laughing and fidgeting with teammates on the club’s social media platforms.
“All the boys have welcomed me well since day one.
“Football is football, so in that regard, it’s been okay for me.
“Our attitude as a team is on point, the training attitude has been on point.
“We are working hard every day, we’ll continue to do that and see where it takes us,” added Benyu.
Chitembwe seems to have a lot of things to be happy about ahead of today’s big clash against Scottland.
He is pleased with the amount of work his boys have put in.
Key players like skipper Manokore and defensive stalwart Hastings Chapusha sat out last weekend’s game against GreenFuel.
New signings Juan Mutudza and Nyasha Chintuli also missed that game, as their papers were yet to be processed.
They are all back and expected to play a role today.
The availability of the skilful Mutudza gives Chitembwe a positive headache.
He could start with a three-man midfield of Tanaka Shandirwa, Mutudza and Benyu.
Upfront CAPS United can rely on wingers Phineas Bamusi and Junior Bunjira, as well as Cameroonian striker Joseph Mbollo.
“The chemistry within the group has been very, very excellent and for me, this is one of the most important things,” Chitembwe said.
CAPS United could be the ideal litmus test for Scottland, who have grabbed national attention, thanks to a massive investment in the club by owner Pedzai “Scott” Sakupwanya.
Mabviravira, as Scottland are also known, have an array of star players led by reigning Coach of the Year Tonderai Ndiraya.
Apart from Billiat and reigning Soccer Star of the Year Walter Musona, Scottland also have firepower in the form of Soccer Star of the Year finalist Tymon Machope.
Their back four is full of veterans, with a combined age of 123 years.
Ronald Pfumbidzai (30), Peter Muduhwa (31), Kelvin Moyo (31) and Godknows Murwira (31) make up Scottland’s rear guard.
Kickoff is at 3pm and fans should expect fireworks at the iconic Rufaro.
Online Reporter