adminEddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
CAPS United defender Stephen Makatuka has put behind him the costly mistake that denied his team maximum points in the Harare Derby as he looks ahead to a trip back “home” in the Lowveld for a cagey assignment at Triangle on Sunday.
Makepekepe are looking to maintain a good run, early in the season, under new coach Mark Harrison after passing tricky tests in the opening games against Whawha, FC Platinum and Dynamos.
Makatuka has been the target of criticism for the blunder that led to the penalty that denied the Green Machine a rare victory over arch-rivals Dynamos at the National Sports Stadium last Sunday.
“Mistakes do happen in life, especially in a game of football where there is pressure. I am a defender and I think I played well for most of the time and it happened that I made a mistake at some stage later in the game.
“It’s unfortunate though, because people won’t remember all the good things that you had done before that moment. What they only remember is the blunder.
“But that is all behind me now, it’s football. I can’t say much except that I’m looking forward to the next assignment,” said Makatuka.
Makepekepe are still unbeaten in open play after playing three games while their clash against How Mine could not take place last week following a boycott by the Green Machine players. CAPS United will this Sunday face log leaders Triangle who have been on top of their game and scoring goals at will.
CAPS United lost 2-1 on their last visit to Gibbo in October last year.
Triangle, who are enjoying a new lease of life under Zambian coach Kelvin Kaindu have been involved in some high-scoring matches early in the season.
“We are taking it just like any other game that we can play in the league. There is nothing much that we should worry about. Personally, it’s like I am at home when in Triangle, there is nothing to fear.
“We have no pressure at all but to play our normal game.
“Of course, they are scoring goals and we are not worried about that. We have got our own way of play and our own tactics. It’s our job as defenders to make sure that we don’t concede so we know what to do,” said Makatuka.
CAPS United have conceded only two goals to date.
However, left-back Ronald Pfumbidzai will not be available as he will be away in Cameroon with the national Under-23 team for the final leg of the All-Africa Games qualifiers.
Triangle will also miss their live-wire winger Malvin Gaki and midfielder Praise Tonha who are also with the same team.
Kaindu, however, will still have at his disposal some of his key players like Nhamo Lameck, Pasca Manhaga, Richard Kawondera, Brian Juwayeyi and Jimmy Tigere.
FIXTURES
Tomorrow
ZPC Kariba v Dongo Sawmill (Gwanzura), How Mine v Harare City (Luveve), FC Platinum v Chicken Inn (Mandava)
Sunday
Dynamos v Flame Lily (Gwanzura), Triangle v CAPS United (Gibbo), Highlanders v Chapungu (Barbourfields), Hwange v Buffaloes (Colliery), Whawha v Tsholotsho (Ascot)
Online Reporter