Wenslus Murape
Tadious Manyepo, Sports Reporter
CAPS United have their tails up and will be looking to subdue ZPC Kariba in their Nyamhunga den in the Castle Lager Premiership match tomorrow.
The Green Machine put a stop to their agonising five-match winless run in memorable style when beating FC Platinum 1-0.
That victory, Makepekepe first in seven years, has given them wings and they will be motivated going into battle against Newton Chitehwe’s boys.
Cameroonian forward, Joseph Mbollo, made his debut for CAPS United in that match.
Lloyd Chitembwe is drawing inspiration from last week’s sweet win but he admitted ZPC Kariba will be difficult to outwit at their home ground.
“We have prepared well (for the match) and obviously we are looking forward to the match.
“The match against FC Platinum was very difficult and draining but very interesting and in the end we won.
“The task we have at hand against ZPC Kariba is not small. It is a very big challenge but intrinsically we have that motivation to want to do more.
“We also want to be consistent. That is the target and we need to fight. We are looking forward to a good match, a difficult match for that matter.
“But, yeah, I think we are in a very good space to go out there, compete and obviously hope to win the match. We are looking forward to that match with a lot of hope.”
CAPS United will welcome back centre-back Hastings Chapusha who sat out FC Platinum’s match through suspension.
“I am happy with the return of Hastings (Chapusha) who was on suspension last week against FC Platinum,” said Chitembwe.
“He will be part of the team (against ZPC Kariba). He has been one of our best performers this season. I believe he gives us reason to believe.”
Goalkeeper Tonderai Mateyaunga will take a back seat after he suffered an injury in the match against FC Platinum last Sunday.
He had to be stretchered off in that high-tempo match and was replaced by Ashley Reyners.
“Tonderai Mateyaunga is back but we are taking precautionary measures not to risk it outright. We don’t want him to aggravate the injury. I think next week he will be back,” added Chitembwe.
“Tonde (Mateyaunga) is a leader and we should allow him some time to fully recuperate and rest. The injury didn’t look fine but he is now very much okay.
“He will be back next week but for the match against ZPC Kariba, we have decided to let him rest.”
Meanwhile, Highlanders have a chance to leap over Ngezi Platinum Stars when they face the reigning champions at Barbourfields on Sunday.
Online Reporter