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Langton Nyakwenda
CAPS UNITED are attempting to do something that they have failed since October last year.
Makepekepe are yet to win two consecutive matches in the league, since October 18, 2023, when they completed a three-game winning streak.
Since then, it has been a topsy-turvy affair for the Green Machine whose coach, Lloyd Chitembwe, is now demanding some consistency ahead of today’s clash against Yadah at Rufaro.
CAPS United might be beaming with confidence after an impressive 3-0 win against Hwange at Rufaro last weekend, but there is a lingering fear within their camp.
They are wary of the inconsistency demon.
Because it has happened before.
When most of their fans thought they had hit top gear, after dismissing Green Fuel 3-0 at Rufaro on April 25, Makepekepe took their foot off the pedal and went on to lose 2-0 against Highlanders at Barbourfields the following fixture.
Before that, CAPS United walloped Arenel Movers 3-1 in Harare before failing to live up to their bill against FC Platinum, in an eventful match that was abandoned due to crowd trouble, before the Premier Soccer League awarded the miners a 3-0 result.
The Green Machine now face Yadah who are without star player Khama Billiat.
The former Warriors talisman is on suspension after receiving a straight red card against Herentals last weekend.
“Expectations are the same, we want to go out there and try to win the football match,” Chitembwe said.
“It was a very good game against Hwange, but it has always been a challenge for us to win successively and consistently.
“This is one thing that has been missing in our performance. Wins have bene eluding us. We want to turn that around and win consecutively,” added Chitembwe.
To his credit, the gaffer has been slowly fusing young blood into his starting eleven.
Against Herentals, youthful forwards Junior Bunjira and Kingsley Mureremba played a more illustrious role.
Bunjira has been a threat down the right channel since April 25, when he masterminded the 3-0 win against Green Fuel.
Makepekepe have enjoyed playing at Rufaro since Easter when the Mbare venue was reopened. They have scored 10 goals in four matches at Rufaro. And today, their cause will be aided by the fact that Yadah will be missing the services of Billiat, who has scored three goals since his return to the local Premiership.
Chitembwe however refused to talk about the Billiat effect.
“I think it’s very unprofessional to comment about opposition players,” said Chitembwe.
“We are preparing for Yadah as a collective, they are very strong team, it’s about what the team does as a collective.”
CAPS United have 13 points from 10 games and trail log leaders Highlanders by six points.
Elsewhere, Taurai Mangwiro is set to be in charge of Green Fuel when they host ZPC Kariba at Green Fuel Arena this afternoon.
Mangwiro trained the team as an assistant coach during the week as the club executive is still to make a decision on Rodwell Dhlakama’s successor.
Saul Chaminuka has been linked with the Chisumbanje job but Bikita Minerals are clinging on to the veteran gaffer.
A Bulawayo derby is on the cards at Luveve where Bulawayo Chiefs host Chicken Inn while Simba Bhora clash against defending champions Ngezi Platinum Stars at Wadzanai.
On fire Manica Diamonds host Bikita Minerals at Sakubva tomorrow hoping to take their winning streak to seven matches.
The big one is at BF where log leaders Bosso play FC Platinum while Dynamos clash against Herentals at Rufaro.
Online Reporter