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Eddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
HARDLIFE Zvirekwi had the perfect finish as he celebrated his birthday when he helped CAPS United brush aside the challenge of newboys Border Strikers to climb to the top of the table in the Castle Lager Premiership. The defender, who celebrated his 28th birthday last Thursday, was in the thick of things as the Green Machine took advantage of a slip-up by early pacesetters FC Platinum to take control of the race with 13 points from five matches.
Although the Harare giants were not at their best, they still managed to get a result and maintain their unbeaten run. Zvirekwi believes they have laid solid ground for gruelling contests this season through unity of purpose and teamwork. “It’s something good for the team. The guys are doing well, everyone is willing to work for one another and you can see the fighting spirit among the boys. We are thriving on team work.
“The secret behind it is obviously the fact that we are united as a club from the top to the bottom. We are all having one goal. The good thing, again, is that there is continuity from last season and it’s helping everyone, including the new guys, to fit in. Now everyone is believing the team is getting into good shape and is capable of winning things. We are also happy with the support that we are getting from our fans. They have been fantastic this year,” said Zvirekwi.
The Green Machine needed a solitary strike from veteran Leonard Tsipa to bag maximum points against Border Strikers on Sunday. nlike the previous seasons, which were marked by inconsistent performances at every stage, it appears Makepekepe this year are more determined.
They have shown great resilience in winning some crucial matches early in the season and this has given their supporters hope that they could win the league title again.
Makepekepe made a huge statement of intent in their last outing when they outwitted bitter rivals Dynamos 1-0 at their Rufaro home ground to end a seven year jinx. And the previous week they had staged a brilliant come back to beat Harare City 2-1. Zvirekwi singled out their coach Lloyd Chitembwe as a positive influence among the players.
“He has played a very crucial role in the CAPS United changing room. He has impressed upon us the CAPS United culture and has always hammered to us what is expected of us when we wear that green and white jersey,” said Zvirekwi.
“We need to keep working hard at training and on the pitch. We haven’t achieved anything yet so we have to stay humble, keep our feet on the ground and remain focused. Most of all we have to remain professional because we still have a long way to go.”
CAPS United are tied on 13 points with FC Platinum but have a positive goal difference of six while the platinum miners have four. Norman Mapeza’s men had their 100 percent winning run halted by Harare City, who forced a goalless draw at Mandava on Saturday. However, the positive thing about FC Platinum is that, just like CAPS United, they are still to taste defeat five games into the campaign.
But Bulawayo giants Highlanders made a huge stride in the race when they urged Chapungu courtesy of Knox Mutizwa’s second half penalty conversion. The 1-0 win took them to 10 points with three wins and a draw. Newcomers Border Strikers remain the only team yet to collect a point after suffering five defeats on the trot.
However, fellow débutantes Mutare City Rovers, Ngezi Platinum Stars and Bulawayo City all recorded wins at the weekend. Sitting on eighth place on the log standings, Clifton Kadurira’s Ngezi are the best-placed among the new teams following the 2-0 win away at Tsholosho.
Online Reporter