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Tadious Manyepo-Sports Reporter
WILLIAM MANONDO knows just how significant scoring in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Harare derby will be for both CAPS United and him let alone if Makepekepe ends up winning it.
The CAPS United hitman will be one of the main protagonists in the showdown between Dynamos and CAPS United at Rufaro on Sunday. That he is leading the Golden Boot race with 12 goals to his name means he will approach this one, a motivated man, given that the games are also fast running out. But he has one problem that he should quickly address.
The former Harare City striker has managed to score just once in five games against DeMbare since he joined the Green Machine in 2022.
And he has never won this fixture with Dynamos, winning three of the five games he has played while two, including the reverse fixture this year, ended in draws.
He has always struggled to assert himself in the explosive duels since getting the equaliser for Makepekepe when the Premiership giants drew 1-1 in the second half of the 2022 season.
And the Warriors fringe player is eager to get things right in the latest edition of the storied fixture between old foes at Rufaro on Sunday.
“I am certainly working on my flaws to make sure I get it right against Dynamos on Sunday,” Manondo said.
“It’s been a while since I made my impact felt in the Harare Derby.
“I need to score and give my team a chance to win the match for more reasons than one.
“Look, we need to give our fans something to cheer on especially after we exited the Chibuku Super Cup and also given the fact that we are now far off the league pace.
“I am sure getting one over Dynamos will be ideal for us as the players and everyone at CAPS United as well as our beloved fans.
“That is exactly what we are working on at the moment. I am on 12 goals and the race is very tight with so many players capable of eclipsing me anytime. That’s how close it is. So, it is prudent for me to always hit the back of the net even in half-chance situations.” Manondo however, said he won’t be selfish just to try and get a goal in the derby preferring to put CAPS United’s interests first.
“It’s never about William but it’s about the team CAPS United.
“Even if I get the goals, it should be about CAPS United winning the game.
“So, I will never try to take a crack at goal when it’s not a chance. I will play for the team and lay the ball for teammates in a better position to score because at the end of the day, CAPS United need to win the match,” added Manondo.
He expects another tough afternoon against the background that Dynamos are in a buoyant mood.
“We know the game will not be easy against Dynamos who have gained some bit of international experience in the CAF Confederation Cup. They will be very confident getting into this match.
“So, we just need to be alert as a team and stay as much focused as we should. We have a group of motivated players who have the desire to win the derby and I think that is an ideal situation to have in your camp.
“It’s always about the derby, which is the conversation we have engaged in since the start of the week.”
CAPS United will need to be at their best as a team as Dynamos have been boosted by the return of captain Frank Makarati and Tendaishe Magwaza who sat out last week’s 2-0 win over Herentals.
The pair was involved in an accident along Chitungwiza road on Tuesday last week and sustained minor injuries.
They were treated and discharged the following morning but they were rested as a precaution in last Saturday’s encounter against Herentals.
They were back at training on Monday and both will be available for selection for the derby.
Fixtures:
Tomorrow: TelOne v Ngezi Platinum Stars (Ascot), Bulawayo Chiefs v Herentals (Luveve), Yadah v Arenel Movers (Heart), GreenFuel v Manica Diamonds (Green Fuel Arena), Simba Bhora v Chicken Inn (Wadzanai)
Sunday: Chegutu Pirates v Bikita Pirates (Baobab), Hwange v FC Platinum (Colliery), Highlanders v ZPC Kariba (Barbourfields), Dynamos v CAPS United (Rufaro)
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