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Langton Nyakwenda —
Lloyd Chitembwe is the first Caps United coach to beat Dynamos in a Harare Derby in seven years, winning 1-0 at Rufaro on Workers Day. Dominic Chungwa got the all-important goal, although replays indicate Archford Gutu had a touch.
Facing defeat at Rufaro against ZPC Kariba who had raced to a 2-0 halftime lead, Caps United staged a spirited comeback that saw them score two in the last 20 minutes, with the equaliser coming from Leonard Tsipa four minutes from time on May 21.
Makepekepe celebrated Africa Day in style with a crucial 2-1 away victory over defending champions Chicken Inn in their eighth game of the season at Luveve. That victory pushed Caps United to 17 out of a possible 24 points, giving the Green Machine their best start to a season since 2005.
Few expected Caps United them to come out with a point at Mandava on July 9 when Makepekepe came face-to-face with red hot FC Platinum. Chitembwe’s boys went toe-to-toe with the then log leaders and came out with a valuable point after holding Pure Platinum Play 0-0.
After losing 0-1 to Highlanders in the first segment of the Battle of the Cities at Barbourfields, Caps United bounced back in style two weeks later and recorded an identical victory over their old enemies at the National Sports Stadium on July 31. Dominic Chungwa was on target as Makepekepe overtook Bosso into second place, four points behind then leaders FC Platinum.
On August 27, Caps United recorded their biggest victory of the season at the National Sports when they hammered Mutare City 4-1. Tafadzwa Rusike, Simba Nhivi, Leonard Tsipa and Joel Ngodzo were on target.
Second-half substitute Kudzai Nyamupfukudza was the hero at Gibbo when his 90th winner propelled Caps United to a 2-1 victory over Triangle on September 4. Makepekepe closed the gap to just one point behind then leaders FC Platinum.
As had become his style, Chungwa pounced again at the National Sports Stadium on September 25 when his stoppage time winner ensured a 3-2 win over How Mine. With the game seemingly heading for a draw after Chikurupati had equalised right at the death, Chungwa headed home the winner in the 93rd minute.
On October 9, Caps United assumed pole position after beating basement side Border Strikers 3-1 at Dhulivadzimu in Beitbridge.
If there is a game Caps United will look back at in the 2016 season, it is the second segment of the Harare Derby played at the National Sports Stadium on October 16. Caps United were trailing Dynamos 3-0 with just five minutes to go. But they staged one of the greatest comebacks ever, scoring three goals before the full-time whistle to earn a crucial point.
Compiled by The Sunday Mail Sports Reporter Langton Nyakwenda
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