Let the mind games begin!

Langton Nyakwenda
CAPS UNITED coach Lloyd Chitembwe says Archford “Uche” Gutu is a special signing and believes the former Dynamos playmaker will have a huge say in Makepekepe’s quest to regain lost glory.
Chitembwe is already into the mind games, three weeks before the commencement of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season, and has installed heavily assembled Harare City as hot favourites to clinch the 2016 championship.
“They (Harare City) are hot favourites for the title, we are not. Taurai Mangwiro is a very good coach, he is capable,” said Chitembwe, heaping the pressure on his rival.
Chitembwe and Mangwiro clash in the ZNA Charity Shield quarterfinal at Rufaro this afternoon in a dress rehearsal of the highly anticipated league clash between the two Harare sides in Week 3.
Caps United owner Farai Jere has demanded attractive football and trophies after splashing the cash in the transfer market during the off-season.
2014 Soccer Star of the Year Dennis Dauda, Devon Chafa, Abbas Amidu, Cabby Kamhapa, Allan Gahadzikwa, Tafadzwa Rusike, Ronald Pfumbidzai, Gutu and veteran keeper Edmore Sibanda are all part of Chitembwe’s dressing room.
Veterans Method Mwanjali and Gilbert Mapemba are also at the Green Machine, who are back from a tour of Mozambique during which they won two, drew one and lost once.
Chitembwe – who guided Caps United to four wins, four draws and a single loss in his nine matches in charge last season – was impressed with what he saw in Mozambique and is singing special praises for Gutu.
The attacking linkman scored two goals on the tour, including a fine free-kick, and Chitembwe feels his presence in the squad will be key.
“He is a special player, we are happy to have him and his contribution so far has been impressive. It is not only him, I can say all our new signings have done well. The preparations for the new season have been credible, there is progression.
“Physical condition of the players is good, technically we are better and tactically we have been improving,” said Chitembwe.
Caps United have played five friendly matches so far, winning twice and losing the same number while conceding four goals in the process.
Today’s match against the Sunshine Boys, who are fresh from a 6-3 aggregate win over AS Adema of Madagascar in the Caf Confederations Cup, should present Makepekepe with a real test.
“We have made it clear we want to do well this season and a game like this one gives us a chance to gauge our progress.
“All the players are fit for this encounter,” said Chitembwe.

Can Chitiyo, Manuvire find the chemistry?

Langton Nyakwenda
HARARE CITY coach Taurai Mangwiro has dismissed claims that he will have a dilemma in trying to get the best out of both Ronald “Rooney” Chitiyo and Raphael Manuvire.
Both Chitiyo and Manuvire are at their best when playing the number 10 role, and there are reservations among some pundits over the wisdom of Mangwiro’s decision to sign both players in January.
Mangwiro shuffled his midfield twice in both legs of the Caf Confederations Cup clash against AS Adema of Tanzania as he seeks to get maximum efficiency from the duo.
In the first leg at Rufaro in Harare, Chitiyo was an attacking central midfielder while Manuvire operated on the left attacking channel.
The Harare City gaffer tinkered with his midfield in Madagascar, switching to a 4-2-3-1 style with Chitiyo on the right and Manuvire on the left.
“To be honest with you, playing both Manuvire and Chitiyo in the same team was never an issue because I know what Raphy (Manuvire) is capable of.
“Having worked with Rooney at Monomotapa some time back I also know what he can do when given different roles,” said Mangwiro as he prepared his team for today’s ZNA Charity Shield quarterfinal clash against Caps United.
“It was never about them playing in the same position. Like all the other players they should compete for jerseys. It is good that they have both settled in quickly, Raphy is scoring for fun, Rooney has also scored and created…it is good for the team.”
However, Mangwiro admits the formidable squad he has assembled this time around puts him in the spotlight.
Harare City are several bookmakers’ favourites to win the Premier Soccer League.
“When you get into a competition you wouldn’t want to appear as if you are chickening out. Who wouldn’t want to win the league title?
“We did not have the best of seasons last year, so as we start the 2016 journey we would want to launch a formidable challenge.
“Last year I was talking about winning a major cup, now I have an ambition to win the league,” he said.
Mangwiro expects a bruising battle.
“Always, there is that rivalry between us and Caps United; most members of the technical team here and some players have been at Caps at some point. It’s a derby and regardless of what is being played for, it is important that we win this game.
“I served Caps United with all my heart but now I am with Harare City, so I have to work hard for the team’s benefit.”