The Sunday Mail
Ishemunyoro Chingwere and Langton Nyakwenda
Harare giants Caps United are hoping to build on last week’s morale-boosting victory over Harare City and follow it up with their second win of the season when they host Luke Masomere’s Buffaloes in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer league match at Gwanzura this afternoon.
Confidence levels are evidently high among the Makepekepe faithful after their team put up a polished act in their 2-1 victory over Harare City last weekend and the return of co-director Farai Jere during the week has heightened optimism in the Green Half of the city.
Caps United followers have had a rare superiority complex over bitter rivals Dynamos during the past fortnight during which the champions lost two consecutive matches and the Makepekepe fans could be heard singing songs that taunted DeMbare after last week’s victory over City.
They know a victory today, coming 48 hours after DeMbare’s painful loss to FC Platinum in the Independence Cup final, would not only cement their new-found bragging rights but could also put pressure on their more illustrious neighbours who have a tricky away fixture against Premiership returnees Bantu Rovers tomorrow.
The return of Soccer Star of the Year finalist Hardlife Zvirekwi, who missed United’s opening two league matches, has lifted spirits at Makepekepe but they have to wait a little longer before they can use their highly-rated Malawian import Ishmael Thindwa, who is still to get international clearance.
It is, however, this hype surrounding the Green Machine that worries coach Taurai Mangwiro, who fears complacency could be his team’s biggest enemy.
“It is during periods like these when complacency creeps in and teams pay the price. We will fancy our chances against a Buffaloes side coached by a respected coach in Masomere, but the players have to keep their feet on the ground.
“We have not forgotten that Buffaloes beat us 1-0 at the same venue last year and I know I have fared badly against Masomere in our past meetings, so this time around I am all out to get the better of my mentor,” said Mangwiro.
The two teams clashed last month in a pre-season friendly that ended goalless at Larfage but nothing much can be deduced from that encounter.
And Masomere acknowledges today’s clash is a different ball game and is bracing for a tough outing, having started life as a Buffalo with a 5-1 drubbing away to high-flying Hwange before bouncing back with a 2-0 home win over Chicken Inn.
“It is really going to be a tough game for us. From what I observed when we played them in that friendly, they have assembled a very good team as compared to last season.
“They have brought in foreigners and I am convinced no team can invest in below par internationals.
“I am sure they will also be buoyed by the return of Jere, because having worked at Caps United before I know the Jere and (Twine) Phiri combination can go a long way in motivating players.
“But we are not here to lose or to show respect to anybody, we are here to compete and we compete to win,” said the self-styled Doctor of football.
Masomere is likely to face an even stronger Caps United than the one that dispatched the Sunshine Boys last week.
Zvirekwi’s availability, possibly on the right side of the midfield, has widened Mangwiro’s selection as he can also call upon the services of talented Zambian midfielder Madalitso Mwanza, who appears set to get the nod ahead of the seemingly overrated Charles Mukanhairi.
The unheralded Mwanza has powerful shots that can be a bother for the Mutareans, both in set and open play.
Stylish Leonard Fiyado is available for selection and might get the nod to partner Dominic Chungwa, who appears to be combining well with new signing right-winger Pervington Zimunya.
Gangly centre-back Blessing Zabula has recovered from an ankle injury and is likely to reclaim his position at the heart of defence alongside the hardworking Steven Makatuka.
Masomere can bank on roving Warriors trialist Prosper Matizanadzo, a match-winner on his day, while his trusted lieutenant and veteran holding midfielder Tafadzwa Mombeshora comes in with the requisite experience.
Forceful striker Admire Dzumbunu, who has taken over the mantle from the departed Steven Sibanda, is another man to watch from the visitors.
Elsewhere, Kelvin Kaindu comes face to face with the maverick Moses “Bambo” Chunga at Chishamiso in the Lowveld when Highlanders visit Chiredzi FC tomorrow.
Bambo has had his ego bruised following a 3-1 loss to neighbours Triangle and will thus fancy to bounce back in grand style.
Fixtures:
Today
CAPS United v Buffaloes (Gwanzura, 3pm, SS9), Hwange v Triangle United (Colliery), Shabanie Mine v Black Rhinos (Maglas), Chapungu v How Mine (Ascot).
Tomorrow
Chicken Inn v FC Platinum (Luveve), Chiredzi v Highlanders (Chishamiso ), Bantu Rovers v Dynamos (Barbourfields), ZPC Kariba v Harare City (Gwanzura, 3pm, SS9).
English Premiership
Tottenham 3-1 Fulham
Aston Villa 0 – 0 Southampton
Cardiff City 1 – 1 Stoke City
Newcastle United 1 – 2 Swansea City
West Ham United 0 – 1 Crystal Palace
Played late
Chelsea v Sunderland
Today
Norwich City v Liverpool (3pm)
Hull City v Arsenal (5:05pm)
Everton v Manchester United (7:10pm)
Tomorrow
Manchester City v West Bromwich Albion (11pm).
