The Sunday Mail
CAPS UNITED players have made the trip to Bulawayo for today’s epic clash against Highlanders at Barbourfields despite earlier threats to boycott the fixture.
The players are owed winning bonuses and salaries as a devastating financial crisis continue to stalk the club and there were genuine fears that skipper Hardlife Zvirekwi and his men would once again seek to make a statement by boycotting the Bosso clash
Last month they boycotted their match against How Mine in Bulawayo and donated the three points to the gold miners after another ugly standoff over bonuses.
However, there were no signs of disharmony as the Makepekepe Class of 2015 boarded their team bus at Jameson Hotel in the capital yesterday morning.
Makepekepe made the trip without left back Ronald Pfumbidzai and central defender Carlton Munzabwa, who are both injured.
United coach Mark Harrison, whose job is becoming increasingly difficult with each passing day, confirmed that chief striker Rodreck Mutuma and steely defender Stephen Makatuka, who were doubtful in the run up to the game, will be available.
“We just have to soldier on, hoping that one day things will be okay. You see, like I have always said, it is not easy to motivate the players in these circumstances.
“We are in a pretty desperate situation and as the coach I am trying to lift the players’ spirits. The game against Highlanders is going to be tough, they are coming from a win and I know they are tough to beat at their home,” said Harrison.
The Englishman has also expressed concerns about the lack of goals.
United have scored five goals after six rounds of action.
Their chief striker Mutuma last found the net in Week One when he scored a brace in Makepekepe’s 2-1 win over Hwahwa at Ascot.
Highlanders are on 10 points, five behind log leaders Chicken Inn and go into the clash on the back of a morale boosting 1-0 away win at Dongo Sawmill.
Caps United, who are seven points off the pace, grinded out a 1-1 draw against ZPC Kariba in their last match.
The last time Makepekepe visited Barbourfields for a duel with Bosso, they were smacked 4-0 during Week Six of the 2014 season.
The Harare side however got their sweet revenge in the reverse fixture at the National Sports Stadium when they won by a similar score line.
Duels between the two giants have been interesting, with the bragging rights alternating between the two cities.
In 2013, Makepekepe dominated the Battle of Cities, winning 2-1 in Harare before holding Bosso to a 0-0 draw at the Barbourfields in the reverse encounter.
The previous year, the bragging rights were in the City of Kings as Bosso won back to back.
Newly installed Bosso captain Felix Chindungwe has rallied his teammates and is confident they will inflict more pain on Makepekepe.
“It is going to be a difficult game and psychologically Caps United players think they have an advantage over us because they won the last time we met.
“They have to think again because we are ready to fight for the three points,” said the dreadlocked utility player.
Highlanders coach Bongani Mafu has promised a surprise for the visitors as he seeks to avenge their Bob 91 Super Cup 1-2 semi final defeat at the same venue in February.
“What I can only say is that we are going to be a surprise package on Sunday (today),” he said.
