Will the Cup Kings rise?

Caroline Magenga Sports Reporter
CAPS United made their name in knockout tournaments and the Green Machine fans will be relishing the challenge when their team plunge into a Chibuku Super Cup first round tie against Chapungu at Rufaro.
Back then, they were known as the Cup Kings, inspired by the likes of Joel Shambo and Friday Phiri, and they dominated the knockout tournaments with a ruthlessness that had to be seen to be admired.

But Makepekepe have endured a lean spell, in recent years, but the Chibuku Super Cup clash comes at a time when hopes are high that this team could win some silverware.

CAPS United assistant coach, Mike “Mikey Dread” Madzivanyika, yesterday urged his players not to bask in the comfort of beating Chiredzi but switch their focus to the tie against Chapungu at Rufaro this afternoon.

Madzivanyika had been taking the players through their paces as his boss, Taurai Mangwiro, attended the Caf A Licence at Zifa Village.
The former Black Aces and Arcadia United midfielder warned his players against underrating Chapungu.

In their last league clash, Chapungu stunned the Green Machine 3-0 and that painful defeat at Ascot is still fresh in the minds of the Harare giants.
Madzivanyika said although Chapungu did not do well in their last league fixture against Harare City, they can still rise to the occasion and they pose a huge threat.
“The fact that we won our last match and that they lost does not serve as any comfort to us,” said Madzivanyika.

“We lost to Chapungu in our last fixture in the league, so we are certainly not underestimating them in tomorrow’s (today) match because they have strong attack.”
A usually reserved character who wants to let his work do the talking, Madzivanyika said CAPS United want to rekindle their days as Cup Kings.

“Every team wants to win a game and with Cup games motivation is for either side to knock out the other team.
“While we have the home advantage, Chapungu are a very competitive team and so we will have to work hard for ourselves.

“Besides their strength, they also have the confidence since they won in our last encounter,” said Madzivanyika.
CAPS United will be missing striker Dominic Chungwa after he suffered a groin injury in their last match while Tapiwa Khumbuyani is set to return to the fold.
Honey Chimutimunzeve, who has impressed since his move from Black Mambas, and Ronald Pfumbidzai, are also available for selection.

“The boys are fit and ready, physically and psychologically.
“We have been practising and working hard because this will not be an easy match.

“We will do our best and we can only hope that it will be good enough because we want a win,” he said.
A big crowd is expected to back the Green Machine at Rufaro after their last game, at the same venue, drew a large crowd.

There is a feeling, among the CAPS United fans that this could be their breakthrough year.
Chapungu assistant coach Clement Mugari has been taking charge of the team in the absence of John Nyikadzino who is attending a coaching course.
Nyikadzino will take time to attend the match and hopes his side will get a positive result.

“Definitely, this is going to be a tough match because CAPS United are in top form at the moment.
“We beat them in the last game and now they are at home,” said Nyikadzino.

This being a Cup match, Nyikadzino said anything can happen.
“The last time we beat them in a league match and this time we are meeting in a Cup game and it’s going to be exciting.

“But we are fearful of injuries on the artificial turf. There is nothing we can do but we have to be cautious and deal with the situation.
“Two of our players were injured in the game against Harare City but it’s not a big deal,” said Nyikadzino.

During the transfer window Chapungu added Phillip Marufu and former CAPS United defender Blessing Zabula to their squad.
In the other matches, Norman Mapeza will be making a return to mainstream football when he leads FC Platinum against Bantu Rovers at Mandava today.

How Mine are beginning life without Philani Ncube against Chicken Inn at the same venue tomorrow.
Bosso will be facing an equally wounded Shabanie Mine at Ascot tomorrow.

The match was moved after Luveve and Barbourfields were closed for renovations ahead of the Zone Six Youth Games.
Meanwhile, former Hwange and Monomotapa rangy striker Edmore Chitato has died.

He was 34.
Chitato died on Thursday evening at Parirenyatwa, having been complaining of a heart problem for a long time.
Mourners are gathered at 1277/A Munondo Street, in Dzivarekwa 3.