Online Reporter
Bruce Chikuni
Sports Reporter
CAPS United midfielder Tanaka Shandirwa has been ruled out of their clash against Yadah, slated for Rufaro tomorrow, due to suspension.
His fate was sealed after he picked up his third yellow card in their 0-1 loss to Bikita Minerals last weekend.
Yadah worked a miracle when they gave Shandirwa a contract, which transformed his life from being a factory floor worker to one of the better players in the Castle Lager Premiership.
This was after he was even rejected by his current employers and Black Rhinos.
Shandirwa has been, by a considerable distance, the best player at Makepekepe this season, and his absence will weigh heavily on the team’s fans, particularly those who have been benefiting from his newly developed gesture of giving fans his jersey after every match.
The club has been deducting money from his salary to cover replacement costs.
This will be the fifth time Shandirwa will not be available against the same team.
The Miracle Boys had a clause in their two-year loan agreement with Dynamo that restricted Shandirwa from playing against the Miracle Boys.
Unfortunately, the experience of playing against Yadah is not going to happen for him, at least for now. The CAPS United house has been rocked by inconsistency, and many have expressed their displeasure at the club owner’s continued protection of coach Lloyd Chitembwe.
Meanwhile, Edmore Zikeeper Sibanda is likely to play against his former bosses at Makepekepe.
He only featured once in their 0-1 defeat against Green Fuel, and there is a growing belief that he might get the nod again tomorrow.
Yadah are a point above CAPS United, who have racked up just four points this season.
Yadah forward Thomas Chideu, who is yet to register a goal this season, told Zimpapers Sport that they are looking forward to upsetting the giants. “We haven’t had a typical start to the season, but I believe we are not a bad side, we just need to keep our eyes on the ball to turn the corner,” said Chideu.
“We’re playing a good team and we’re going through the same process of finding ways to come out of the relegation zone, and that alone will make this game tougher.
“Everyone has to contribute more for us to get into a respectable position, and we have to start winning now before it’s too late.”
WEEK 8 Suspensions
Mathew Murambiwa (MWOS), Mpumelelo Bhebhe (Chicken Inn), Lawrence Masibera (Manica Diamonds), Tapiwa Chilenga (TelOne), Admire Dzumbunu (TelOne), Tanaka Shandirwa (CAPS United), Ansa Frederick Botchway (Scottland).
Mathew Masinge