The Sunday Mail
Don Makanyanga
CAPS UNITED are planning a crocodile attack on Highlanders as they seek to snap a three game Castle Lager Premier Soccer League winless run at Barbourfields this afternoon.
Makepekepe have only picked up a point from their last three matches, a draw against Shabanie Mine being sandwiched by home defeats to Chicken Inn and Ngezi Platinum Stars.
Stung by the poor return, Caps United coach Lloyd Chitembwe has made some changes to his starting XI with defender Godwin “Garwe” Goriyati in line to make his start of the season.
Ironically, Goriyati last featured for Caps United on November 25, 2017 when the Green Machine and Bosso played out to a one all draw.
This season, the 27-year-old defender has even been struggling to make the match day squad and reports were already linking him with a move away from the 2015 league champions.
However, Chitembwe has given Goriyati a chance to make a case for himself against a Highlanders outfit that is eager to bounce back from last weekend’s goalless draw with Yadah in the capital.
And Caps United’s crocodile wants to make the most of that chance.
“If there is something that I am delighted about, it is to be back in the team,” said Goriyati.
“The depth that we now have in the team demands a lot of hard-work and one cannot complain about being left out of the team because there is so much quality at Caps United.
“After realising that I had fallen down the pecking order, I responded by working hard. Bouncing back into the team is a sign that I am doing something right, all I need to do is continue working hard.”
Chitembwe has been clear with what he expects from Goriyati.
“The coach has asked me to be solid in my position and that is what I intend to do.
“I have played against Highlanders on three occasions since I joined Caps United and l am yet to lose against them, hence I am confident of another positive result,” said the defender, who is likely to feature in a three at the back formation.
Chitembwe has also demanded a positive response from his charges.
“We know we carry a very huge responsibility and for us the responsibility to perform is very key, and when we talk about performance we are talking about winning games.
“We have achieved more than Highlanders in the past five seasons, they haven’t lost as many players’ as we have done and that alone tells you of the task we have… but there is no task that is not achievable,” said the Caps United coach.
From the opposite end of this Battle of the Cities duel is a Highlanders side that lost its last home match 1-2 to ZPC Kariba.
Bosso coach Madinda Ndlovu reckons his youthful side, nicknamed ECD, needs to learn to be ruthless at Emagumeni.
“Your home ground must become a slaughter house,” he said.
“Let’s not allow visiting teams to come and dance on our heads. We need to educate our players to grasp it so that when teams come to Barbourfields Stadium, kumele uvalo lubatshaye (they should be scared) and once that happens, the next thing that must follow is a big clap to show them that we are at home.”
Who will get the slap at BF?
