adminFrom Paul Mundandi in Zvishavane
SHABANIE coach John Phiri is confident that his side will beat Caps United in a Premiership match pencilled for tomorrow at the National Sports Stadium.“I am looking forward to my first away win against Caps United. We have prepared very well, I am confident and my players are motivated that we are going to get it right.
“We respect Caps United but they need to know that there is no longer a small team in Zimbabwe. We are not worried that they have national team players like Hardlife (Zvirekwi), Tapiwa (Khumbuyani) and one of the best coaches Taurayi (Mangwiro),” said Phiri.
The two teams have one thing in common — since the beginning of the season they have been in a financial crisis but Shabanie’s problems seem worse than Caps United’s.
By the end of the day yesterday, the team leadership was still to advise the technical team on the travel arrangements.
Shabanie will welcome goalkeeper Victor Twaliki who missed action after clashing with Tafadzwa Rusike in a league match at Maglas last month.
Allan Tavariswa is also back after serving a two-match suspension.
The asbestos miners will miss gifted midfielder Douglas Sibanda who is suspended after accumulating three yellow cards. Rodney Mware and Louis Matawu are also out through injury.
“I am happy that I have Zvenyika (Makonese) because he brings experience, he gives the team a lot of stability. Twaliki is the first choice and he is back in the team and when first team players return to the team they get first preference,” he said.
Shabanie have been performing well since signing Daniel Chakupe who was discarded by ZPC Kariba. He has been playing his heart out and is expected to give the Caps United defence a torrid time.
Former Monomotapa players Hamilton Masumbuko, Nelson Meson, Godknows Murwira and Zvikomborero Bizeki are also expected to be in good form.
Greg Mataka and Samson Gondwe have been assisting the miners in times of need while Henry Moyo has been standing in as team manager in the absence of Dumisani Mahwite who is based in Harare.
Online Reporter