Sundaymail Editor
Langton Nyakwenda
TIME is running out for cash-strapped CAPS United, who are yet to begin training with just under three weeks before the Premier Soccer League resumes.
The 2021/2022 season continues on February 12 after breaking for the Christmas holiday and the Africa Cup of Nations.
A source close to the goings on in CAPS United said co-owners of the beleaguered giants, Farai Jere and Nhamo Tutisani, are making frantic efforts to provide funds, as they seek to avert a possible player exodus.
Things are so bad at Makepekepe that they are now losing players to Division One clubs.
Defenders Tafadzwa Jaravani and Webster Tafa have moved to ambitious Northern Region Division One side Simba Bhora.
CAPS United have also lost highly rated centre-back Carlos Mavhurume to Ngezi Platinum Stars, while left-back Brendon Mpofu was unveiled at rivals Dynamos last week.
Munyaradzi Diro-Nyenye is angling for a move to ZPC Kariba.
“The club is losing players each passing day, and that’s very normal when you don’t have money.
“There are some players who have been targeted by the club, but it’s now uncertain because they are also losing patience,” said the source.
Ronald “Rooney” Chitiyo’s contract expired at the end of December but reports suggest the talented midfielder could be staying at the club.
Another key player Phineas Bamusi still has a running contract with the Harare giants.
CAPS United are also hoping to secure some funding to lure veteran central midfielder Devon Chafa, whose contract with Ngezi Platinum Stars expired on December 31.
Ngezi recently signed 23-year-old Warriors trialist Tapiwa “Chidude” Sibanda and are also linked with former national Under-20 striker Delic Murimba, who was at Triangle United.
A massive exodus looms at Triangle, who have also lost coach Taurai Mangwiro to Harare City.
Skipper Collins Dhuwa, winger Timothy January and defensive linkman Donald “Kante” Mudadi are all accompanying Mangwiro to Harare City.
The Sunshine Boys have also welcomed back diminutive forward Tatenda Tumba, while Marshal Machazane is reportedly staying put after the municipal side fended off interest from CAPS United.
Makepekepe, who are now under former City coach Lloyd Chitembwe, also wanted the services of highly rated centre-back Hastings Chapusha.
Defensive linkman Tatenda Tavengwa has decided against renewing his contract with Harare City and is now linked with a move to either CAPS United or Bulawayo City.
Underrated left-back Brian Chikwenya has moved to Manica Diamonds.
His manager Clever Mabhidhi confirmed the move.
“Chikwenya is a very good player who is just underrated. Manica Diamonds are impressed with his style of play and we are hoping he will finally flourish,” said Mabhidhi, who recently facilitated youthful goalie Raphael Pitisi’s move to Highlanders.
Bosso have also snapped up striker Stanley Ngala, who was a target for rivals Dynamos.
DeMbare, however, managed to capture Evans Katema (33), who is returning from a stint at Zambian side Zanaco.
Financially stable Bulawayo Chiefs have been one of the busiest on the market and grabbed attention during the week when they announced the return of Perfect Chikwende.
The 28-year-old Chikwende was on the books of Tanzanian side Simba.
Two Ghanaians — Yep Mensah and Derla Akorli (19) — as well as the experienced duo of Obadiah Tarumbwa and Obriel Chirinda are also now at Chiefs.
Gangly Black Rhinos striker Tawanda Macheke could become the latest player to join the DStv Premiership as he is undergoing trials at Maritzburg
United.
Rhinos coach Herbert Maruwa seems to be preparing for life after Macheke as he is currently assessing some unheralded lower-division players.
“I can confirm that striker Tawanda Macheke is on trials at Mariztburg in South Africa.
“So far we are looking at some players from the lower divisions. Joe Nyabinde is also training with us,” said Maruwa.
Edgar Mhungu, Walter Sande and Leeroy Murape have also left Black Rhinos following the expiry of their contracts.
Online Reporter