Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi-Zimpapers Sports Hub
AFTER four weeks of working on their fitness and conditioning, domestic Premiership giants CAPS United are set to take their pre-season a step higher tomorrow when they travel to Malawi from where they will finalise their preparations for the next two weeks.
The 2016 champions are set to travel with a delegation of about 48 players and officials to add flair to an exciting pre-season that has also seen several clubs embarking in training camps in and outside the country’s borders to prepare for competition.
Champions Scottland toured South Africa and Eswatini while FC Platinum spent two weeks in Zambia.
Bulawayo giants Highlanders have scheduled a tour of Malawi while Chibuku Super Cup holders Dynamos have opted for a local camp.
DeMbare have embarked on a local training camp in Hwange this week while Chicken Inn chose Kariba.
Green Machine Chief Executive Officer Morton Dodzo told Zimpapers Sport yesterday that CAPS United opted for Malawi to enable team building and bonding in a remote environment.
“In terms of preparation, this is a crucial phase for our team,” Dodzo said.
“The next two weeks will be important primarily for the players in terms of team building, bonding, and cohesion.
“The players need the experience and the exposure because it improves the chemistry and common understanding in our squad.
“So, we are taking this initiative seriously as a club. Hopefully, we will be able to get the results we desire from this trip,” said Dodzo.
CAPS United have arranged four practice games in Malawi where they are set to face local top-flight clubs Silver Strikers twice, Blue Eagles, and another team yet to be confirmed.
“We had a long meeting today (yesterday) to tie up the loose ends concerning this tour.
“Everything is now in place, and these practice games are going ahead as planned.
“So far, we have some games that have been confirmed, and we believe they will go a long way in helping the players and the technical team gauge how far they have gone in terms of fitness and conditioning as well as to see the level of preparedness for the coming season.
Makepekepe are expected to return home between February 26-28. But on their way back home they have included a stopover in Mozambique where they will engage Chingale de Tete in their final warm-up game in the Tete Province.
