Makepekepe meet Moneybags

wished for tougher opponents.
CAPS United will be without two key marksmen, Simba Sithole and Evans Gwekwerere, in a battle for supremacy with Premiership moneybags FC Platinum at the National Sports Stadium this afternoon.
With Sithole out on a trial stint in South Africa and Gwekwerere is also in the Rainbow Nation to sort out personal business and coach Moses Chunga will have to dig deep for answers up-front.
But Chunga, who has been the subject of abuse from a militant section of CAPS United fans, remained unfazed yesterday and said he has enough replacements.
“We have signed 25 players and we are going out there to fight for a victory. Missing a few players in your line-up is not a big deal.
“I would have been worried if it was a singles match where one player only makes the team.
“But the fact that we have more players in our books will make us competitive,” said Chunga.
The absence of Gwekwerere and Sithole is likely to open doors for Clive Kawinga who has made cameo roles this season.
CAPS United also have Washington Pakamisa, who has scored twice this season and has the experience to handle challenges in the Premiership.
Makepekepe are looking to redeem themselves following the 2-0 defeat to Motor Action last week, which toppled them from the top of the table into fifth place with 13 points.
They have won four, drawn two and lost one.
Their opponents FC Platinum are in third place and are two points better off.
FC Platinum acting coach Philani Mabhena yesterday said the Midlands giants – who boast of an array of star players on their books – are geared up for the tie.
Platinum have had a good run this season winning five of their six matches and are currently third on the table with 15 points.
Only one point separates them from the leading pack despite having played a game less.
Mabhena, who took over the reins following the tragic death of Benjamin Moyo last month, has managed to continue with the good start, winning his first three games in charge.
“Usually I don’t like to comment before we play but we are really looking forward to the match.
“CAPS United are our big brothers and we respect them so much.
“But our objective from the start of the season has been to collect as many points as possible and we remain positive,” he said.
With the material at his disposal, Mabhena is spoilt for choice and has reaped big rewards from reigning Soccer Star of the Year Charles Sibanda who has contributed four goals in their tally of 12.
Sibanda has been combining well in the midfield with former Motor Action teammate Bekhimpilo Ncube who was also a finalist in the Soccer Star of the Year awards last season.
But Mabhena has more options in Menard Mupera, in-form Benjamin Marere, Thabani Kamusoko and Joel Ngodzo.
Daniel Veremu, who nearly joined CAPS United at the beginning of the season before a change of heart, is expected to take his place in defence, which also includes Zephaniah Ngodzo, Khumbulani Banda and Norman Togara.
Across the city, a battle of former champions is on the cards as 2009 Premiership kings Gunners host Monomotapa at Lafarge this afternoon. Gunners are still looking for their first victory of the season while Monomotapa coach Taurai Mangwiro will be hoping to leave the pitch with their second set of maximum points in eight games.
Gunners’ coach Darlington Dodo said Chando Kupisa, who anchor the 16-team table, are now feeling uncomfortable at the bottom and are targeting a win over Monomotapa to breathe life into their campaign.
“We don’t deserve to be where we are on the table right now and this is a game we need to win so that we, at least, start to collect points on a regular basis,” said Dodo.
“I know Monomotapa are a good side and, just like any other match we have played this season, it’s going to be a challenge.
“Just like us they are former champions and they also need the points.
“But if we carry on with the good performance from our last game in Masvingo, chances are very bright.
“We just need to tighten our defence and make sure that goals keep coming.
“Our scoring has been problematic but we scored two last time and it looks promising,” he added.
Gunners will be hoping to bounce back from the 3-2 defeat in Masvingo while Monomotapa, who narrowly lost to Dynamos at Rufaro last Sunday, are eager to convert their good passing football into goals.
More than half their matches have ended in a share of spoils after drawing four times in seven starts.
Rightback Dominic Mukandi will miss the tie after a dismissal in the last match.
Harare giants Dynamos will tread with caution when they face Zimbabwe Saints at Barbourfields tomorrow as they battle for their third win on the trot.
Assistant coach Masimba Dinyero this week said they have enough material to cover for key players Denver Mukamba and Archford Gutu who are away on trials.
Fixtures:
Today
Gunners v Monomotapa (Lafarge), Chicken Inn v Motor Action (Luveve), Black Mambas v Hwange (Morris Depot), CAPS United v FC Platinum (NSS), Shooting Stars v Kiglon (Gwanzura)
Tomorrow
Shabanie Mine v Masvingo (Maglas), Zimbabwe Saints v Dynamos (Barbourfields), Blue Ribbon v Highlanders (Gwanzura)
Wednesday, May 18
FC Platinum v Gunners (Maglas)
WEEK 9
Saturday, May 21
FC Platinum v Chicken Inn (Maglas Stadium), Kiglon v Black Mambas (Gwanzura), Monomotapa v Shabanie Mine (Rufaro), Motor Action v Zimbabwe Saints (Motor Action Sports Club)
Sunday, May 22
Hwange v Blue Ribbon (Colliery), Highlanders v CAPS United (Barbourfields), Masvingo United v Shooting Stars (Mucheke), Dynamos v Gunners (Rufaro)
WEEK 10
Wednesday May 25
Zimbabwe Saints v Gunners (Luveve), Shabanie Mine v Dynamos (Maglas), Shooting Stars v Monomotapa (Gwanzura), Black Mambas v Masvingo United (Morris Depot), Blue Ribbon v Kiglon (Rufaro), CAPS United v Hwange (NSS), Chicken Inn v Highlanders (Barbourfields), Motor Action v FC Platinum (Motor Action Sports Club)
WEEK 11
Saturday, May 28
FC Platinum v Zimbabwe Saints (Maglas), Kiglon v Caps United (Gwanzura), Monomotapa v Black Mambas (Rufaro), Gunners v Shabanie Mine (Lafarge)
Sunday, May 29
Highlanders v Motor Action (Barbourfields), Hwange v Chicken Inn (Colliery), Masvingo v Blue Ribbon (Mucheke), Dynamos v Shooting Stars (Rufaro).