adminChando Kupisa, known for their slick passing game, had a slow start this season and they only collected their first full set of points in four attempts when they beat Monomotapa 2-0 last weekend.
Buoyed by the victory, Madira believes his charges have renewed energy spurring them to achieve better results.
“That was a big morale-booster that we needed and it really raised our confidence. You see the confidence levels had gone low after losing two games in succession.
“I wouldn’t want to say our team was not playing well, but it was a matter of failing to convert the chances that we created,” said Madira.
Madira however said that they would be very careful not to underrate Makepekepe, who are undoubtedly under pressure to get positive results.
CAPS have not won a match in three outings and were unlucky last week to share the spoils with newly promoted Harare City after conceding in the last minute in a 1-1 draw.
The Green Machine are eager to see a quick turnaround after getting a strong tongue lashing from the club’s vice-president Farai Jere early this week.
“CAPS are a team that we respect. We are aware that they want to start winning as soon as possible but it is even more important for us to collect maximum points.
“The boys are raring to go and tomorrow (today) we will play a practice match against Dynamos reserves,” said Madira.
Gunners have been trying to adjust to the new season after losing more than five first team players during the off-season break.
Madira said their new acquisitions like William Manondo, Victor Kamhuka and Blessing Sande are slowly fitting into the system and believes his side should give CAPS United a good run on Sunday.
The battle will also be hot in the top half of the table where Chicken Inn will be seeking to go for another week at the apex when they welcome FC Platinum at Luveve.
Chicken In coach Adam Ndlovu yesterday said he has been impressed by his side’s performance after maintaining a clean sheet in all their games.
Ndlovu and his opposite number Rahman Gumbo will not be available for the weekend games as they are taking part in a Caf Licence B Coaching course that ends in Harare on Sunday.
“I am happy with the way we began the season. The boys are really playing well but I believe we still have a long way to go.
“I think the FC Platinum game is a big test. They are a good side with some of the domestic Premiership’s cream. We respect them as a club and I have to say when we go out there on the pitch we will start on the same footing,” said Ndlovu.
Hwange will be out to redeem themselves at home against Buffaloes after suffering a surprise reverse at newboys Hardbody at Ascot last weekend.
Fixtures:
Saturday
Black Mambas v Monomotapa (Morris Depot), Chicken Inn v F C Platinum (Luveve), Motor Action v Blue Rangers (Motor Action Sports Club), Harare City v Quelaton (Gwanzura)
Sunday:
Gunners v CAPS United, (Lafarge), Shabanie Mine v Hardbody (Maglas), Hwange v Buffaloes (Colliery),
Postponed
Highlanders v Dynamos FC (Barbourfields)
Online Reporter