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Sports Reporter
CAPS United coach Mark Harrison has already started preparing for life without Ronald Pfumbidzai, who is set to move to Danish top-flight side Hobro IK in the next few weeks.
Pfumbidzai impressed the European outfit during trials last month and could be playing his last game for Makepekepe when they host Flame Lily at the National Sports Stadium on Sunday.
The league will then take a break until the end of the month.
The Young Warriors skipper is expected back in the starting line-up after missing the side’s last six matches as Harrison struggled to get a permanent replacement.
The coach yesterday indicated he was relieved at the return of the former Hippo Valley player who could not travel with the team on their away trip to Tsholotsho after joining the national Under-23 side on his arrival from Denmark.
He said Pfumbidzai’s departure early next month could be a huge loss.
Harrison, however, has been comforted by the arrival of Zambian left-back Michael Mwenu, who has proved himself to be the natural replacement, during a month-long trial period.
“Ronnie is back until the end of the month or beginning of July. Then he is off to Denmark, so I say well done to him. He got himself a deal which is good and encouraging for the rest of the boys,” said Harrison.
“We have got a Zambian left fullback, Michael. He is with us now. He has been with us for a month and we could not register him until the July window opens.
“He is a natural replacement for Ronnie,” said Harrison.
The Green Machine coach has been having headaches with the left-back position where he has tried a number of options, including youthful Romerio Matova, and utility player Dominic Mukandi.
Harrison said he has identified, at least, three more players to beef up his squad during the coming mid-season transfer window, if the club’s coffers permit.
Makepekepe will be back at home on Sunday and are hoping to build on their momentum after winning their last two games away from home against newboys Dongo Sawmill and Tsholotsho Pirates.
Their next opponents Flame Lily have struggled in their debut season in the Premiership.
The Zimbabwe Prison and Correctional Services outfit this week fired their coach, Nesbert Saruchera, over poor results and the side will be under the guidance of interim coach Backlyfield Chivenga.
Basement side Dongo Sawmill will host Harare City at Vengere on Sunday with their confidence boosted after winning their first league match last week in the 2-1 victory over Flame Lily.
Pacesetters Chicken Inn travel to Chapungu for a tricky date with the Air Force of Zimbabwe side.
Chapungu had a remarkable run of eight matches, without loss, before the bubble was burst by Harare City last Friday.
John Nyikadzino’s men have now dropped into fifth place on the table while Chicken Inn are enjoying a four-point cushion at the top.
Fixtures
Tomorrow: ZPC Kariba v Dynamos (Nyamhunga), Chapungu v Chicken Inn (Ascot)
Sunday: Dongo Sawmill v Harare City (Vengere), Buffaloes v Whawha (Sakubva), Hwange v FC Platinum (Colliery), Triangle v Tsholotsho (Gibbo), CAPS United v Flame Lily (NSS), Highlanders v How Mine (Barbourfields).
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