Tsipa confident of victory

Eddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
VETERAN CAPS United forward Leonard Tsipa believes the Green Machine are in good shape to complete a double over log leaders Chicken Inn and has challenged his teammates ahead of their showdown at Luveve this afternoon.

Tsipa, who was in sparkling form last week when Makepekepe posted a 2-0 win over the same opponents at the National Sports Stadium, said only teamwork will win them games.

Makepekepe are looking to fortify their place among the leading pack after finishing the first round matches in fifth position with 24 points, five behind the pacesetters Chicken Inn.

The veteran forward believes his side still has a big say in the destiny of the championship race, which they last won in 2005 under Charles Mhlauri.

“The focus at the moment is on getting three points in each and every game that we play because we would want to enhance our chances of fighting for the championship,” said Tsipa.

“So it will be nice if we can get another win at Chicken Inn so that we maintain our place near the top teams. But it needs us to work very hard,” said Tsipa.

The Green Machine will make two changes to their midfield as they miss defensive midfielder Dominic Mukandi through suspension while vice-captain Moses Muchenje is not feeling well.

Muchenje was a huge doubt after picking an injury just before the half-time break in the last encounter but a flu bug killed all the hopes of making the trip to Bulawayo.

This would mean that Malawian George Nyirenda, who made a late appearance last week, should be roped in to fill the void in the department.

But more should be expected from Joel Ngodzo, who is enjoying a rebirth at Makepekepe, after sitting out most of the first half of the season.

Ngodzo showed flashes of brilliance before he was taken out in the second half last week and could look to continue from where he left off in front of familiar faces on his return to his hometown of Bulawayo.

Most of the eyes, however, will be on veteran forward, Tsipa, who was involved in both goals scored by Leonard Fiyado last week.

Tsipa is still to rediscover the kind of form that made him a household name among Green Machine supporters 10 years ago when he was still in his early 20s, but is determined to play a central role in the campaign.

His performance last week was inspirational.

“What happened in the last game is now behind us. It’s not about me or about any other player, we are a team and we need to continue working hard as a group.

“This is a new game and we are looking forward to a win. We know Chicken Inn were not happy the last time we beat them but we simply have to concentrate on our play and I can say we are prepared for them,” said Tsipa.

Chicken Inn coach Joey Antipas has not made their intentions a secret.

The Gamecocks are eager to make up for the loss in Harare and Antipas will welcome the trio of skipper Danny Phiri, Lawrence Mhlanga and the league’s leading scorer Edmore Chirambadare who were with the national team last week.

Chirambadare has scored eight goals in his debut season in the top-flight league and this week was invited for trials at South Africa’s Bidvest Wits.

He is scheduled to return today, just in time for the afternoon assignment.

“Obviously, we are looking to turn the tables around. We were just unfortunate the last time but I believe if we can come up with the same kind of performance as in the previous game, we stand a very good chance of winning.

“We know that CAPS United are not an easy team. We have been talking about this match and I told the boys that they should just go out there and take them head on. We need to be clinical especially with our finishing. I hope Fair Play will prevail,” said Antipas.

The Gamecocks are looking for a win to cement their place at the top of the table.

They have one point advantage over second-placed Triangle and crucially a game in hand for the abandoned tie against Dongo Sawmill which is yet to the decided by the PSL.

Chicken Inn will be without their fullback Passmore Bernard who is serving suspension while Divine Lunga is still out with injury.

George Majika was also a big doubt by yesterday.