Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo
Zimpapers Sports Hub
CAPS United……………………………………..(0)4
Highlanders………………………….…………(0)2
WHERE was this CAPS United team in the past two months?
Forgive any Green Machine fan who asks you that question.
Yesterday, CAPS United rolled back the hands of time to the months when they were leading the Castle Lager Premiership race with victory over a grieving Bosso at Rufaro.
It was Tinotenda Meke who turned to be the destroyer-in-chief coming off the bench in a second half show that will be remembered for a long time to come.
Meke scored a brace, the first with his first touch after coming on for Chawanangwa Kaonga at the resumption.
The winger literally arrived at Makepekepe, finally, in those 45 minutes having stuttered all along since joining at the beginning of the year.
But, after a first half in which Highlanders looked to be dominating and CAPS United once again appearing to be out of their depth, coach Takesure Chiragwi, who got surprise love messages from the fans who displayed banners in his honour, opted to replace Kaonga for Meke.
He also brought in young Kunashe Chando for the struggling Tanaka Shandirwa.
That proved to be what the doctor had ordered as the pair brought in a whole new dimension to the game, completely turning it in Makepekepe’s favour.
Highlanders defender Mvelo Khoza made a mess a header to goalkeeper Aron Ngwenya and Meke pounced for the opener.
The match suddenly opened up with Alleny Mukombedzi finding Chris Mugalu who bundled home to double Makepekepe’s advantage.
Bosso were down and effectively out at that point and when they attempted a counter, the turnover fell to Uchizi Vunga who made no mistake to make it 3-0 for CAPS United.
Benjamin Adeogun reduced the arrears from the penalty spot but soon, after, Meke made what should be the moment of the week, darting and spinning before slicing home.
The points were for Makepekepe at that moment although substitute Isaac Ngoma still got time to halve it down again from the spot.
“I am really happy with the fighting spirit that my boys showed,” said Chiragwi.
“We have been creating chances in our past games but failing to score.
“I am happy today we managed to get four home although I feel we could have done better in defending.
“We got overexcited when we got two past them. Then we lapsed at the back. But overall I am very happy with this result against a big team like Highlanders.”
CAPS United took their tally to 42 points, 11 behind log leaders Scottland with eight games before the season’s curtain comes down.
“We will continue fighting till the last whistle of the season blows,” added Chiragwi.
“The players are showing loads of hunger again. I am loving it and I would like to applaud the fans for the support they have given us.”
There was a sense of unity and love between the team and their supporters with the engagements made by club president Farai Jere working wonders in bringing this harmony out.
And it was only good that at the end of the day, the team looked all united again with the three points, taken from an opponent they beat 2-1 in the reverse fixture at Barbourfields, making it all sweet.
Highlanders coach Benjani Mwaruwari was disappointed with the defeat which left his team still on 37 points although they can still attain a top-four finish.
