It’s a hard life, but please please

Langton Nyakwenda
CAPS UNITED skipper Hardlife Zvirekwi has challenged his troops to play for the Green Machine’s badge when they face Egyptian powerhouse Zamalek in a Caf Champions League soccer tie at the National Sports Stadium in harare this afternoon.

Makepekepe host the White Knights in a make or break Group B Champions League match at a time their house is on fire. Players are owed salaries and winning bonuses, and are yet to be rewarded for their CAF Champions League mini-league phase qualification.

Coach Lloyd Chitembwe threatened to quit last week, as centre-back Dennis Dauda was transfer listed for a “reckless” social media post he circulated prior to last Tuesday’s 0-2 defeat to Yadah Stars in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Morris Depot.

Now Zvirekwi has urged his teammates to look beyond the current problems. “There are certain standards we have set as Caps United and those should be maintained at all times,” he said. “We have come a long way to reach this stage so I think we should just finish what we started. Some players made their names in this campaign and there might be scouts watching this game against Zamalek hence the need to keep focused.

“Yes, there might be frustrations but when it comes to work us as players should be seen to be working hard. At the end of the day we are also doing this for our loyal fans just as much as we are also doing this for monetary gains.”

Caps United anchor Group B with three points from four matches. USM Alger of Algeria top the table with seven points, Al Ahli Tripoli have the same tally but an inferior head-to-head record, while Zamalek are third on five points. There are two rounds of action left and Caps United will travel to Algeria next weekend after hosting the White Knights today.

Makepekepe lost 0-2 to Zamalek in the reverse fixture.