Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi-Zimpapers Sports Hub
AS one of the longest serving players in the domestic Castle Lager Premier Soccer League, Bruce Kangwa is definitely walking into the twilight years of his career.
The CAPS United utility man, who is also into his last year of his contract with the Green Machine, wants to make every moment count, as he hopes to land one more silverware before he calls time on a lengthy career that spans over 17 seasons.
Kangwa is expected to play a leading role in CAPS United’s quest for a silverware this season after making a positive start to this year’s Chibuku Super Cup, as well as the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup.
Makepekepe will today welcome ZPC Kariba at Rufaro in a quarterfinal match that promises to put the Harare giants’ pedigree to test again.
The Green Machine head into the encounter on the back of a hard-fought 1-1 draw against rivals Dynamos in the Harare derby, a result Kangwa believes has sharpened the team for the challenges ahead.
“So far, so good. Everyone is working hard. Everyone is looking sharp and we are looking forward to the game that is coming this weekend. Talking about confidence, everyone is ready for it,” said Kangwa.
Makepekepe booked their way into the last eight courtesy of a thrilling 3-2 win over Simba Bhora at Rufaro last month.
Tinotenda Meke decided the match at the death after Simba Bhora had twice clawed back into the game to cancel out Makepekepe’s advantage from goals by Llyod Njaliwa and Talent Chamboko.
Without the intervention of Meke, who came in as a second half substitute, the game could have been decided by a shootout.
Kangwa said the Green Machine will need to avoid such mistakes when they face ZPC Kariba today.
“You know, it’s a cup game. It’s only one game to play and there has to be a winner at the end of the day,” he said.
“So, we are taking it as it comes because in cup games, there’s nothing like you play the return leg or anything. So, we’re focused and we’re ready for everything that will come at us.”
Kangwa, whose endurance and passion have been key in the injury-prone Green Machine camp, is again expected to play a leading role in the Green Machine’s quest.
But he is not looking too far ahead of himself as he targets one game at a time.
“You know, for us, we are looking forward to winning the game that is coming. That’s our target to win the game and we are looking forward to the competition,” said Kangwa.
He also appealed to the CAPS United supporters to come in their numbers and lend morale support to the team.
“As for the fans, we are grateful and thankful for the support that they have been giving us throughout. We urge them to come in numbers and support the boys again against ZPC Kariba.
“As CAPS United players and management, we are grateful for your support and we thank you for being there in good times and bad times.”
ZPC Kariba, however, are not expected to present themselves as easy opponents.
The visitors will take confidence from their impressive opening-round victory over Ngezi Platinum Stars, whom they beat 1-0 at their own Baobab in Mhondoro-Ngezi.
Munashe Kamwendo scored the decisive goal. Their coach Expense Chitukutuku believes his side can build on that momentum as they seek to salvage a disappointing season with a strong cup run.
Chibuku Super Cup quarterfinal fixtures
Today: CAPS United v ZPC Kariba (Rufaro)
Tomorrow: Dynamos v FC Hunters (Rufaro); Highlanders v MWOS (Barbourfields)
Wednesday: Scottland v Hardrock (Rufaro)
