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Tadious Manyepo
Sports Reporter
CAPS United coach Lloyd Chitembwe says his new recruits have brought about the much-needed stability in the team.
The veteran gaffer added several new signings in his ranks at the beginning of this year as he sought to improve his game.
Makepekepe were underwhelming last season and even spent some time battling to find a way out of the red zone.
But they have turned a new page this season.
With 16 points to their name after nine games, the Green Machine are third on the log with only a single point separating them from leaders Ngezi Platinum Stars.
And yesterday, Chitembwe attributed his team’s transformation to the contribution brought about by the new recruits.
Godknows Murwira, Adrian Silla, Innocent Zambezi, Kelvin Madzongwe, Hastings Chapusha and Terrence Daka are some of the new players who joined this season and are playing some key roles.
“I think their contribution has been massive. I am extremely happy with the contribution of each of them.
“I think they were the missing link last season,” said Chitembwe.
“Their contribution is there for everyone to see.
“They have brought about stability, very good cohesion to the team and they have also brought about technical expertise.
“They have brought a lot of good things which have improved the team”.
Chitembwe and his charges will seek to bounce back to winning ways when they to Zvishavane for a date against Sheasham at Mandava on Sunday.
The Green Machine dominated Hwange at home last weekend but they still settled for a goalless draw in a match their guests employed a host of delaying tricks to disturb the flow of the game.
But their match against Sheasham has been marred by boycott threats by the Gweru team who are protesting over the ban of their Bata Stadium home by the Premier Soccer League last week.
Despite getting the all clear from the First Instance Board, who are the experts in terms of stadia inspection, PSL suspended the use of the venue last week.
And Sheasham have been threatening to boycott the match against CAPS United at Mandava. And Chitembwe said all that doesn’t concern him as his duty is to prepare his charges for matches.
He said Sheasham should come into the match without the small team mentality which has seen clubs employing delaying tactics in order to get something out of a match.
“We are professionals; we live on playing the game. These (boycott threats by Sheasham) are purely administrative. We have a duty and responsibility to plan and prepare for matches.
“If the game goes ahead we are ready,” Chitembwe said.
“I certainly hope that they won’t bring this small team mentality which you have seen this season as a phenomenon in local football where small teams are not giving themselves a chance.
“They come with all tactics, delaying gamesmanship. I certainly hope that they won’t bring that mentality.
“The whole idea is to go out there play and enjoy as much as we can. This is my thinking as a coach and also at some pount as a player, I derived a lot of satisfaction from playing”.
Makepekepe have been boosted by the return of left-back Innocent Zambezi from suspension.
Zambezi missed the 1-0 win over Yadah a fortnight ago and last week’s draw against Hwange following his expulsion in the derby tie against Dynamos three weeks ago.
Chapusha and Daka have alternated for the role.
And Chitembwe is happy he will have a full complement of the squad to puck his team from.
“Innocent (Zambezi) has always been an important part of the team. It’s always good to have everyone back in the team.
“He has been doing well this season and even in training. But I also thought Daka (Terrence) played well last week”.
He backed his charges to score since they are creating several scoring opportunities.
“I don’t expect my team to score in each and every game or to win every match because we know it’s not possible.
“But what I like the most from that is that they are able to create chances which is the most difficult thing to do in this game.
“I am extremely happy with that”.
Online Reporter