malvernmugadzikwa
Langton Nyakwenda
IT is five years since CAPS United beat Highlanders in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League encounter.
CAPS United last triumphed over Bosso on August 18, 2019 in the league.
Makepekepe won 2-1 at the National Sports Stadium, on August 18, 2019, courtesy of goals from Clive Rupiya and Kelvin Ndebele.
Ray Lunga was on target for Bosso.
Both Rupiya and Ndebele are no longer on Makepekepe’s books.
Since that game in 2019, CAPS United have played against Highlanders five times in the league with no success.
The Green Machine have an opportunity to break the jinx when the two giants collide at Rufaro Stadium today in the latest of their prominent Premiership battles.
This afternoon’s massive showdown comes amid huge concerns that home team CAPS United and the Premier Soccer League could be prejudiced of huge potential revenue.
It has emerged that half of the turnstiles at Rufaro, which had been upgraded into electronic ones, have been switched off owing to a contractual dispute between Harare Municipality and the company that installed them — Lonsburry Industries.
Harare City Council is understood to have reneged on paying for 18 of the 36 turnstiles at Rufaro, which Lonsburry installed as part of the refurbishment exercise being undertaken at the old Mbare facility.
Repeated efforts to get a comment from Harare City did not bear fruit.
Sources at Lonsburry confirmed that there had been a standoff between Harare City and the company in the last two-and-a-half months over payment for the job done.
“We wouldn’t know much about what is obtaining on the ground, but what we know is that due to the ongoing contractual dispute, the electronic turnstiles were switched
off.
“Of course, Harare City might choose to bypass the electronic system, but it has its problems in that it becomes difficult to fully account for who has entered the stadium and the security is compromised,’’ the sources said.
CAPS United chief executive officer Morton Dodzo was yesterday worried about reports of the standoff.
Dodzo noted that the dispute could create a crisis for his side, the home team, especially as CAPS United look forward to having a big crowd this afternoon.
“Potentially, it creates a crisis, more so when you had introduced a new system,” he
said.
“In terms of managing the change, it becomes difficult and that is how money gets to be stolen when you have turnstiles that are not efficient and there is always a flurry of fans between 2.30pm and 3pm, and if we are not careful, even tickets will be recycled and clubs end up losing the much-needed revenue.
“This really worries us.’’
Premier Soccer League chief executive Kenny Ndebele said they had been assured by Harare City authorities that the turnstiles would be operated manually without glitches.
“We understand that there will not be much challenge as the turnstiles can be operated manually, but without counters.
“It would have been nice to have the counters working, which would assist with the operations and the counting system.
“They (Harare City) have assured us that the turnstiles will be operated without hitches,’’ Ndebele said.
Away from the chaotic scenes around the stadium turnstiles, Makepekepe’s current form suggests they could finally find a way to win against their old rivals.
It is a Battle of the Cities to savour as CAPS United are unbeaten in their last four matches. Lloyd Chitembwe’s charges displayed strong character in their last league game. They came twice from behind to snatch a 2-2 draw against Green Fuel in Chisumbanje.
That result in the Eastern Highlands had been preceded by wins over FC Platinum, ZPC Kariba and Manica Diamonds by an identical 1-0 scoreline.
“We have gone past our challenges. The players are motivated and it will be difficult for teams to beat us,’’ Jere said.
CAPS United were dogged by financial problems last season, but this term they seem to enjoy some stability.
They have risen into the top half of the log with 34 points and four behind Highlanders, who have been on a poor run lately.
The Bulawayo giants have won just once in their last five matches.
Skipper Godknows Murwira has been in imperious form for CAPS United.
The defender also featured for Zimbabwe in their opening two African Cup of Nations qualifiers against Kenya and Cameroon.
In leading scorer, William Manondo, Makepekepe have a lethal weapon. Highlanders coach, Kelvin Kaindu, is aware of the threat that could be posed by CAPS United.
“We are playing a team that is in form. They have gone some games without a defeat and have picked up their form,” he said.
“Their senior players are helping in terms of having influence on the field. It’s not going to be easy, but we have our hope that we have done well away from home this season.”
The last time Bosso were in the capital, they beat Dynamos 2-0 at Rufaro on July 14 and they also beat Chegutu Pirates 2-1 at Baobab.
Andrew Mbeba, who was on national duty last week, McKinnon Mushore, Peter Muduhwa and Lynoth Chikuhwa could be key for Bosso.
Highlanders also welcome back striker Never Rauzhi.
Tinaye Agere
Online Reporter