Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo-Zimpapers Sports Hub
CAPS United’s Motswana goalkeeper Victor James has attributed his early settling at the Green Machine to the close relationship he has with Zimbabwe, as his mother hails from Kwekwe.
James actually converses with his teammates in Shona, and he is almost always willing to do interviews using the language.
Makepekepe have not lost a game he has played in since being thrown into the fray in the ZIFA Munhumutapa Cup Round-of-16 against Scottland Academy at Baobab last month.
And the Botswana international is hoping to help the Green Machine find their way back to Africa by winning the mega-rich tournament that comes with a ticket to participate in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Makepekepe haven’t played in the continental inter-club championships since making the CAF Champions League group stages back in 2017.
They had won the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title the previous season.
Now CAPS United are eager to make a return, and with the Premiership title effectively out of their reach now, the shortest way to bounce back would be by winning the Munhumutapa Cup and playing in the second-tier of the continental championships.
During the draw conducted by veteran journalist and sportscaster Charles Mabika, CAPS United were yesterday paired with FC Hunters in the quarter-finals, with the two Harare sides meeting in the first weekend of next month.
While the giants have failed to beat the league debutants who squeezed four points from them this season, James believes CAPS United stand a chance not just to beat FC Hunters but to eventually win the competition.
Hardrock will face Herentals College, while Scottland face off against Bulawayo Chiefs, with the only lower division side remaining in the contest, Blanket Mine, playing FC Platinum.
The winner between Herentals College and Hardrock will play the victors from the Bulawayo Chiefs versus Scottland tie.
And all what James, fresh from playing continental football with Botswana side Jwaneng Galaxy a few years ago, is another dance in the African football panorama.
“Yes, it’s a fair draw,” he said in reference to the FC Hunters draw.
“There are no easy opponents or games in cup competitions.
“We couldn’t have picked any other team; we are ready for those who have been drawn against us.
“The game will be tight, of course, but all what we need is to win the games and eventually win the cup and be able to play in Africa.
“I think we have everything we need as a team. We have a supportive president in Farai Jere and the whole executive plus a competent technical team and depth playing personnel.
“We are going to take it one step at a time as it may. But basically, we are aiming to go all the way, of course keeping the principle of crossing the river when we get there in mind.”
James hasn’t found it hard to get down to business in a new environment where no other Motswana goalkeeper has ever taken part.
He has attributed that to the relationship that he has with Zimbabwe, and feels in hindsight that he could have elected to play for the Warriors instead of the Zebras.
His mother Rhodah met James’ father Mackson Chitumbu in Francistown while on her cross-border ventures, and the pair subsequently got married.
“So, I have never been a stranger to Zimbabwe for that’s where my mother comes from,” said James.
“At home, it was always Shona and Tswana in equal measure.
“I am a naturalised speaker of both languages, and I am happy about it. Here and there, I would visit Kwekwe on holidays and got to spend time with my mother’s relatives.
“I don’t only know how to speak Shona, but I am well aware of some Shona rites and customs.
“When I started playing football in Francistown, I got selected in the national Under-13 team and actually visited Zimbabwe for games.”
James added: “I have found love at CAPS United where the likes of Washington Arubi and all the players have em-braced me.
“I was humbled last Sunday when fans also showered me with love after the Harare Derby draw against Dynamos.
“I am loving everything here, and I hope we can work well and win cups.”
James joined Makepekepe during the mid-season window alongside Arubi, Precious Phiri, Chris Mugalu and Uchizi Vunga
