Sundaymail Editor
Langton Nyakwenda
Yadah FC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
CAPS United . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
CAPS United are now becoming a danger to Lloyd Chitembwe’s health.
Yesterday, he cut a dejected figure and sat motionless on the bench, as some CAPS United fans in Bay 14 sang protest songs against the team’s players after Yadah handed them a defeat at the National Sports Stadium.
The fans, who were in solidarity with Chitembwe, branded the players mercenaries after another lifeless show that left Makepekepe staring down the barrel of relegation.
Yesterday’s defeat was United’s 11th of the season and saw Makepekepe slump to 13th position with 31 points, just six ahead of Harare City, who lost 1-0 to Tenax.
Makepekepe are now winless in four consecutive matches.
They were also knocked out of the Chibuku Super Cup.
Some CAPS United fans even saluted Yadah players, including goal scorer Brian Kadamaja, soon after the final whistle.
Kadamanja’s solitary first-half strike lifted Yadah to 11th position on the log.
Genesis Mangombe’s side are now 10 points clear of the relegation zone.
CAPS is close to Chitembwe’s heart and his close relationship with owner Farai Jere has motivated him to soldier on.
But, it seems his players are letting him down.
Although there were concerns players were owed outstanding salaries, it is understood that a huge chunk of the debt was settled last week.
However, they put up a lifeless performance in yesterday’s match.
“It’s a poor result from a disappointing performance,” a distraught Chitembwe said.
“Like I said before, this game was going to be difficult; it’s a derby and these players know each other from their neighbourhoods.”
There was a big cheer from the stands when Phineas Bamusi was substituted in the second half.
The usually reliable Valentine Musarurwa got himself an unnecessary booking for a reckless foul late on, as frustration got the better of him.
It could have been 2-0 in the 78th minute had Yadah’s second-half substitute Innocent Masiwa not spurned a chance in a one-on-one with keeper Tonderai Mateyaunga.
Veteran midfielder Devon Chafa then volleyed the ball over bar in added in time, as CAPS United chased for an equaliser that never came.
Yadah, who were missing influential player Lennox Mucheto through injury, created a number of chances both in the first and second half.
Fortune Binzi did well as a makeshift right-back, while Kibaki Dhlamini bossed the midfield.
Albert Manenji always looked dangerous on the left channel.
“I am happy with the way we responded after scoring. We managed to defend that goal and I am happy with the boys,” said Mangombe.
Results at a glance
Chicken Inn 1-0 WhaWha
Tenax 1 – 0 Harare City
FC Platinum 1-0 Bulawayo City
ZPC Kariba 1-1 Black Rhinos
Cranborne Bullets 1-1 Highlanders
Yadah 1-0 CAPS United
Online Reporter