Tinaye Agere
Langton Nyakwenda
CAPS UNITED coach Lloyd Chitembwe (pictured) is prepared to make unpopular decisions as long as it is for the good of the club.
The veteran gaffer made the bold statement after his charges dispatched Yadah Stars in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League encounter at the National Sports Stadium yesterday.
A late own goal by Brian Kadamanja saw Makepekepe register their first win in four matches and regain top spot.
However, Highlanders are in action this afternoon and could eclipse CAPS if they manage to beat Sheasham at Bata Stadium in Gweru.
Makepekepe needed a response after falling to bitter rivals Dynamos in the Harare Derby last weekend.
“We expected to win to collect three points but, at the same time, we knew it was not going to be easy,’’ said Chitembwe.
There was little goal-mouth action in both halves, with CAPS United managing just one shot on target in the first half.
However, Joel “Josta” Ngodzo, who was back in the starting line-up at the expense of Blessing Sarupinda, was outstanding and was showered with cash by fans at the end of the match.
Chitembwe, who got the stick from the CAPS United faithful after the derby defeat, did not salute fans after the match, nor did the players, who rushed to the dressing room soon after Brighton Chimene sounded the final whistle. He spoke about his decision to start with seasoned midfielder Ngodzo.
“Josta is Josta, he brings in a lot of quality,” said Chitembwe.
“But you can’t play him when he is not in a very good condition.
“These things are well-calculated; we just don’t do things with emotions.
“At the end of the day, we do things with knowledge; that’s our job, to make decisions, some that are not so popular,” he said.
He also benched Devon Chafa following the midfielder’s subdued performance in the loss against Dynamos.
“That match is now in the past; we can’t remain stuck in the past.
“Our main focus now is on the next game against Hwange,” added Chitembwe.
The victory was a relief for CAPS United, who had gone for three games without a win.
They drew 1-1 against FC Platinum and Chicken Inn before losing 0-2 to DeMbare.
And it looked like that winless run would stretch to four games yesterday until Chitembwe’s men ground out a win in the 88th minute, when Kadamanja headed into his own net.
Yadah Stars coach Expense Chitukutuku was disappointed with the loss but impressed by his team’s progress.
“The boys are working hard at training, I am impressed by our progress,’’ he said.
TEAMS:
Yadah Stars: M. Takarinda, B. Kadamanja, C. Moffat (P. Nyamakura 77), M. Mlilo, T. Musariri, C. Mandivei, J. Zindoga, K. Nadolo, P. Kafelapanjira (W. Kamudyariwa 77), B. Ndereki, M. Gwatidzo
CAPS United: T. Mateyaunga, G. Murwira, B. Musaka (J. Daka 85), K. Madzongwe, J. Thulani, J. Ngodzo, P. Bamusi, C. Rupiya, R. Chinyengetere (I. Nyoni 46), W. Manondo
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter