Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo in LILONGWE, Malawi
MALAWI, international striker Chawanangwa Kaonga and midfielder Lloyd Njaliwa, have a full briefing of what the CAPS United template to success looks like, and it is exactly what they want to follow.
The pair joined the Green Machine last month with Kaonga transferring from Zambian giants Zanaco while Njaliwa had been with UD Songo in Mozambique.
Both are regulars in Malawi’s senior team — the Flames — who are coached by Zimbabwe football legend Kalisto Pasuwa.
Although they have shifted base to Harare, they are briefly back in Malawi with CAPS United, who are on a two-week pre-season tour of the country and staying just across from the arena where the Flames stage their home games, the Bingu National Stadium.
Both players sparkled as CAPS United beat Silver Strikers 1-0 at the Silver Stadium on Sunday with Kaonga receiving a massive show of love from the crowd that braved the rains to attend the friendly match.
The forward once starred for the Bankers before he crossed the border to Zambia, and he felt the adoration of his former team’s fans.
While touring their country, the duo know they have work cut out for them as the 2026 Premier Soccer League season is fast approaching.
They know what the club they are playing for represents. They need no overemphasis, as they attended a two-day induction workshop organised specifically for that by the club a fortnight ago.
Still, they were already aware of how big CAPS United are as several of their compatriots who include Haji Tambala, Tichaona Nyenda, Raquib “Lulu” Milanzi and Gift Makoloni once played for this team.
The only foreigner to win the Player of the Year prize in Zimbabwe, Joseph Kamwendo, who is now one of the assistant coaches has already told them about the storied institution.
“We know CAPS United is a big club in Zimbabwe who have previously reached the CAF Champions League group stages.
“We know that of late they haven’t been doing too well to consolidate their status.
“But nothing can erase their history. However, we are here at the team to help them reclaim their status as a fearful giant of local football and also to ensure they attain optimum competitiveness in Africa,’’ Njaliwa said.
“I have previously played in Africa’s inter-club championships, and I hope my experience will be key for CAPS United.
“I agreed to come to CAPS United after seeing the team’s ambition, and that matched my goals as well.
“That’s what we simply want to achieve.
“I am particularly happy with how good the working environment is at CAPS United.
“The local players have embraced us well, and we feel at home. I think that’s the most important thing and a great starting point.”
Kaonga is a proven goalscorer with the striker netting key goals for all the teams he has played for including the Flames and that’s what he wants to bring to Makepekepe.
“Obviously I am a striker, and my job is to score and assist goals,” said Kaonga.
“I have to prove my worth by helping CAPS United regain their worth as well.
“We are aware that CAPS United is a big club in Zimbabwe.
“They have also done very well at the continental level. Our duty is to ensure that they stay at the top where they belong. We attended the induction workshop, and that really opened our eyes.
“Joseph Kamwendo also did well during his days as a player at CAPS United, and when we look at him, we see a father figure and an adorable character that gives us a lot of inspiration.
“I want to score goals, I want to shine and lift the team up. I am impressed with my teammates. They are very supportive and that makes it easy to easily fit into the system.”
CAPS United coach Takesure Chiragwi is expecting a lot from the pair.
“We didn’t sign passengers, we knew exactly what we were taking on board when we sat with them to get them,” said Chiragwi.
“These are internationals, and they are very professional. They know what is required of them.
“You saw them playing against Silver Strikers. They are good players who can help add a lot of value to CAPS United.
“Their personal traits are already good. That is the reason why they are fitting seamlessly into the squad philosophy.
“We are definitely going to see a lot from them.”
