adminGoing into the final match of the season, CAPS United were defending their league title and running neck-and-neck with Masvingo United, who were two points shy on, 56.
At the other end of the table, Black Rhinos were in the relegation zone and needed nothing short of three points against the defending league champions to survive another year in the Premiership.
And they did just that with goals from Gift Kamuriwo, Selemani Phiri and Kastigu Juwakinyu at the National Sports Stadium.
Chipembere ended the season tied on 39 points with compatriots Chapungu, who also beat Lancashire Steel 2-1 in the Midlands derby as Sundowns, Amazulu and Eiffel Wildcats were relegated.
CAPS United had to thank fellow giants Dynamos, who denied Masvingo United the historic championship with a 2-1 win at Mucheke on the same day.
Since winning that championship, CAPS United have never reclaimed the title while Black Rhinos have been like a yo-yo, bouncing in and out of the Premiership.
The last time the two teams met in the league was during the 2009 season with CAPS United winning both legs when Tafadzwa Rusike scored a brace as Leonard Tsipa weighed in with the other goal during the first round.
Ashley Rambanapasi’s strike in injury time gave CAPS United the edge in the reverse fixture.
CAPS United retained the bragging rights after beating Black Rhinos 2-0 during the Zimbabwe National Army Commander’s Charity Shield at Rufaro last month but coach Nesbert “Yabo” Saruchera is hopeful of a better result when the two sides meet in a league match at Gwanzura this afternoon.
“I think we cannot afford to lose this game to CAPS United again. We might have lost to CAPS United during the pre-season but we now need the three points,” said Saruchera.
“All the guys who were injured are back in the team. We have players like Bruce Honora the centreback, Milton Kureva and Walter Masenda around now.”
Saruchera said a lot has changed since their last victory over CAPS United in the Premiership but believes the team’s mainstay — Lazarus Muhoni, goalkeeper Britto Gwere and Brighton Chandisaita — will be able to lead their youthful team-mates.
“This is a new team from the one we used in 2005 but we still have the same fighting spirit,” said Saruchera.
In their opening two league matches, Rhinos fought until the last minute to subdue Monomotapa 3-2 while a late effort from Muhoni earned the former champions a point against Hwange on Sunday.
“We have been talking about the dangers of chasing the game,” said Saruchera. “Our defence had been playing very well but we just need take the lead and defend instead of chasing the game as we have been doing.
“But so far I do not have problems with my team and we will take each game as it comes.”
This week CAPS United skipper Tapiwa Khumbuyani warned his troops to brace for a tough encounter against the army side.
Khumbuyani said CAPS United should avoid adopting a complacent attitude and should be able to utilise the scoring opportunities they are creating.
CAPS United coach Brenna Msiska will pray that forward Tawanda Nyamandwe brings his special boots to the game while more is expected from Leonard Fiyado.
Midfielder Hardlife Zvirekwi remains the talisman of the side.
At Morris Depot, pacesetters FC Platinum will be out to consolidate their position at the top when they meet Black Mambas, who are enjoying their place in the sun.
Zambian coach Tenant Chilumba said he is aiming for nothing short of the Premiership title this season with the ambitious club.
Highlanders travel to Triangle for a real test and coach Gishon “Gizha” Ntini, who boasted that his side will give Bosso a run for their money, should be taken seriously.
Ntini has declared war on Highlanders and promised that Bosso will leave Gibbo empty-handed.
Fixtures
Today: Chicken Inn v Triple B (Luveve SS9), Black Mambas v FC Platinum (Morris), Black Rhinos v CAPS United (Gwanzura), Motor Action v Harare City (Motor Action Sports Club), Triangle v Highlanders (Gibbo)
Tomorrow: How Mine v Monomotapa (Luveve SS9), Buffaloes v Hwange (Sakubva)
Wednesday 10 April: Shabanie Mine v Dynamos (Maglas Stadium SS9)
Online Reporter