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Takudzwa Chitsiga-Sports Reporter
BACK in the 1980s, Harare giants CAPS United earned themselves a befitting moniker — ‘Cup Kings’ — after dominating the knockout tournaments on the domestic football scene. Makepekepe were every team’s nightmare when it came to the cup competitions.
But that invincibility has since gone. Even the most faithful among the Green Machine followers would struggle to remember when they last lifted a major knockout tournament. The Chibuku Super Cup in particular has been out of reach for them.
The Green Machine were eliminated at the first round last year after losing 1-0 to Black Rhinos. But this time around they open their campaign against Hwange at Bata Stadium in Gweru tomorrow.
The two teams played a goalless draw when they met in the castle Lager Premiership earlier this season. Hwange are not easy opponents.
But CAPS United assistant coach Tonderai Marume believes they have what it takes to upset their bogey side.
Makepekepe, who once were known as the domestic Cup Kings, are looking forward to redeem their moniker by going all the way in this year’s tournament. They have had a difficult run in the league of late losing five of their last seven matches.
However, Marume said they are looking forward to the cup competition.
“I am happy that we are going to play in the Chibuku Super Cup.
“It’s been a very difficult period because every coach and every player when they go onto the field they always play to win. It is a very difficult feeling to lose a game. The aim, like I said, is to win but in the end you have to take the results as they come.
“Playing in the Chibuku Super Cup we needed to give it our all as CAPS United are known as Cup Kings because from time immemorial we won several silverware and this game we are going to give it all,” he said.
Marume also hailed the return of Zimbabwe to international football following the lifting of the FIFA suspension. He believes winning the Chibuku Super Cup will present them a credible opportunity to play in Africa as winners are set to represent Zimbabwe in next year’s CAF Confederation Cup.
“Now that football is back in the country everyone is happy and it opens opportunities to play in the continent and these are the chances. Just like any other club, we are aiming to compete with the best and also winning this silverware.
“By winning you get opportunities to have your players getting noticed and this year we are not looking forward to an early exit. Last year we were knocked out early but we are hopeful that we will improve this time around,” said Marume.
CAPS United have been struggling in the Premier League, so has Hwange on their return to Premiership football. Only three points separates the teams on the log standings with CAPS United on 24 points, while Hwange have 21.
Hwange have not won in their last four league games after drawing three and losing one. But Makepekepe have lost their last two matches in succession.
Online Reporter