adminmidfielder, who arrived at the Green Machine in the second half of last season, has turned into the most influential player at the club and the natural leader of the team.
Zvirekwi was inspirational on Sunday as CAPS United received a huge boost, playing in front of a huge band of their fans who cheered every touch made by the players, when they beat Black Rhinos 2-0.
The midfielder said the club’s triumph on Sunday, when they lifted the inaugural Zimbabwe National Army Charity Shield, was a major boost ahead of the new season.
Zvirekwi was in top form, inspiring the Green Machine to victory by engineering both goals either side of the half.
Newboy Ronald Pfumbidzai gave them the lead on 33 minutes, when he tapped in from close range, after Zvirekwi had weaved his way into the crowded penalty box using a full range of his dribbling wizardry to fool the Rhinos’ defence.
He then spread the ball across goal for Pfumbidzai to provide the kill.
The midfielder provided another assist in injury time when he collected a loose ball at the edge of the box and picked out Leonard Fiyado who responded with a stroke of genius.
“We played well but we still have a lot of work to do,” said Zvirekwi.
“We would want to keep focused even when people are talking bad things about us and our team. We have heard people saying that there is no team at CAPS United, that there is confusion and all that negative stuff.
“That is their opinions and I think it is good for us because we will not have any pressure when people call us under-achievers and the underdogs.
“We just need to be strong mentally and I think we are getting there in that aspect.”
CAPS United, who are under the guidance of Brenna Msiska, paraded a virtually new-look side with five new signings starting alongside the old players Arnold Chivheya, Blessing Zabula, Rahman Kutsanzira, Fiyado and skipper Tapiwa Khumbuyani.
The Green Machine have lost a number of key players who made the core of the team in the last two seasons because of problems associated with their weak financial standing.
Recently they fired seven players, who included their captain Khumbuyani, but the experienced defender made peace with the management and was re-admitted into the fold.
Others like Douglas Walaza and Edmore Chafungamoyo decided against renewing their contracts and have since moved to other Premiership clubs.
Makepekepe have also parted ways with coach Mkhupali Masuku, leaving Brenna Msiska to continue with the rebuilding efforts.
Msiska had his chance to gauge progress made when he gave a run to his new players like Pfumbidzai, Moses Muchenje, Kelvin Bulagi, Joseph Mutambiranwa, Cameroonian Eric Fotapimotalla and goalkeeper Winston Chiwetu.
Youthful winger Takudzwa Mahori, who came in as second half substitute, charmed the club’s fans with the skill and confidence he displayed at the big stage.
Mahori tormented the Rhinos defence with his sudden burst of pace and dribbling skills and could prove quite a handful if he is managed right.
For while Mahori looks a genuine talent, he faced weak opposition on Sunday and Rhinos looked, in every department, a Division One side.
CAPS United finalised their squad last week but caretaker coach Msiska indicated they could make at least three additions to beef up their side.
They need a defender, defensive linkman and a striker.
Zvirekwi said he was committed to see out his contract at the Green Machine in good and bad times.
The former Gunners midfielder signed a one-year contract last August.
He said the players have received encouragement from the club’s owner Twine Phiri to fight for the CAPS United brand.
“We enjoy good relations with our coaches because we understand each other well. I just think we are going to work out something good for our fans this season,” said Zvirekwi.
“I have a one-year contract with CAPS United that runs out in August.
“I am just hoping to progress with my career here at CAPS United until something opens up.
“I am looking forward to a brilliant season with the club. There may be changes that happened but we are soldiering on.
“He (Phiri) has been telling us to maintain focus and everything else will fall in place. He says that the CAPS United brand comes first and we have to prioritise the club’s vision and goals. So we are prepared for improvement this season,” said Zvirekwi.
Online Reporter