WHAT AN EARLY GRUDGE MATCH

Don Makanyanga

Zimpapers Sports Hub

LEADERS CAPS United will be hoping to maintain their perfect start to the 2026 campaign when they battle it out against Ngezi Platinum Stars at Baobab today.

Both teams head into the fixture unbeaten.

The Green Machine have won all four of their opening matches, while Ngezi Platinum Stars have recorded two wins and two draws.

Ngezicoach, Kumbirai Mutiwekuziva, who served as an assistant to Takesure Chiragwi for two seasons before his promotion, believes the encounter will be a blockbuster tie.

“It will be a high-intensity match that promises to give fans good entertainment,” said Mutiwekuziva.

The narrative surrounding this fixture is dominated by the massive exodus of talent from Mhondoro to Harare.

Chiragwi, who led “Madamburo” to the 2023 league title, returned to his former hunting ground and lured several key figures during the off-season.

High-profile names, including Golden Boot winner Takunda Benhura and striker Obriel Chirinda, are among the eight players who joined the Green Machine from the platinum miners.

Compounding the challenge for Ngezi is a FIFA-imposed three-window transfer ban stemming from a dispute with former assistant coach Bongani Mafu.

Unable to register new faces to replace their departed stars, Ngezi have had to rely heavily on their existing squad depth.

Despite the off-field distractions, and the reunion with familiar faces, Mutiwekuziva expressed satisfaction with how the current group of players have stepped up to fill the void.

“They have done well so far by coping with the demands of PSL games. I look forward to them continuing to improve in every aspect of the game going forward.”

Historical data favours the hosts.

The two sides have met in 16 Premier Soccer League matches, with Ngezi Platinum Stars enjoying a superior head-to-head record.

Ngezi have won nine times, while CAPS United have only tasted victory twice, with five matches ending in stalemates.

With the Green Machine yet to record a victory against Ngezi at Baobab, Mutiwekuziva is banking on that home-ground advantage to stop the log leaders.

“The game against CAPS United today is a big match, but we are motivated by home advantage and having performed well in our home matches,” Mutiwekuziva said.