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Tadious Manyepo Sports Reporter
AT this point last season, CAPS United had drawn all their opening four Castle Lager Premier Soccer League matches.
Their problems were already manifesting with the Premier Soccer League forced to shelve their third match of the term against Black Rhinos because the players had not shown up for mandatory Covid-19 tests.
When they eventually fulfilled the encounter at Sakubva, they failed to hold on to their early lead, as the match finished 1-1.
The other three games against ZPC Kariba, Harare City and Ngezi Platinum Stars all ended goalless.
The Green Machine had scored just one goal while conceding once with four points to their name after four games.
It had already become clear the 2016 league champions would struggle throughout the season with the rate their players were engaging in industrial action.
The marathon leaders at this point, Manica Diamonds were already on nine points, five above Makepekepe whom they would thrush 6-2 in week five as things turned from bad to worse at the green half of the capital city.
But, everything has changed, altogether, this term.
Makepekepe are leading the standings after four match days with 10 points to their name.
They are playing the most exciting game in the league which coach Lloyd Chitembwe has been emphasizing at training.
The Green Machine have won three games against Manica Diamonds (2-0), ZPC Kariba (1-0) and Black Rhinos (2-0) while playing out a goalless draw against Ngezi Platinum Stars.
The players have been timely receiving their winning bonuses with club president Farai Jere reassuring them last year’s problems are now water under the bridge.
Although they have added some players including Godknows Murwira, Innocent Zambezi and Kelvin Madzongwe, CAPS United have retained the bulk of the players who were at the team last season.
And they have made it clear they are out for reputational redemption given last year’s debacle. Skipper and goalkeeper Tonderai Mateyaunga, who for the third time this season has made it in The Herald’s PSL Team of the Week, said the players are putting everything in their game to redeem respect for their names.
“Obviously, these are early days in the season but we are enjoying our game. I am also happy as a goalkeeper that we have managed to keep four clean sheets consecutively. “It all comes down to hard work on our part as players. The defenders are doing very well and so is everyone else in the team,” said Mateyaunga.
“Look, we have to redeem some respect for our names especially given what happened last season. We are crafting a different script because we know for sure that we had a very bad season last year.
“Everyone, to this end, is doing their job wholeheartedly. We are seeing 2023 as a redemption season for all of us at the team.
“We cannot forget what we went through last year. It was very difficult and we are sure our fans were very disappointed and we are on a mission to put smiles back on their faces.”
Mateyaunga said the will and passion at the team is inspiring.
“The league race is still in its infancy. We still have to play 30 more games. So we should remain humble and put in the work, taking each game as it comes.
“The aim is to win as many games as we can. We should take each game as if it is our only chance of getting the three points. I am delighted to be in a team with determined players. The environment is very good for us to thrive and we are hoping to continue playing well.”
Chitembwe is a keen admirer of experience and so far, he seems to have nailed it with his players often having to rely on it to get the results.
In their matches against Manica Diamonds and Black Rhinos, Makepekepe wrapped the jobs in the opening half while managing the second stanzas well.
And against ZPC Kariba, they left it late with Chitembwe showing his tactical prowess when managing to get the points in a game the Kariba outfit showed some great will and intent.
Although Makepekepe were outplayed at Ngezi Platinum where Chitembwe complained about the condition of the pitch, they still showed they can restrict opponents even without keeping the ball.
The Green Machine, however, face a stern test when they face second-placed FC Platinum at the National Sports Stadium on Sunday. The reigning champions are just a point behind Makepekepe and the match on Sunday is expected to produce fireworks. With CAPS United slowly building a reputation for playing beautiful football, it will be interesting to watch them play against a team which has built a strong resume in beautifying the game since coach Norman Mapeza arrived at the club. The former Warriors captain, who is arguably the best gaffer in the local scene right now, is allergic to kick and run football.
Online Reporter