CAPS UNITED ‘Green Machine’ goes top

The Sunday Mail

Chicken Inn. . . . (0) 1
Caps United. . . . (1) 2
A super-CHARGED Caps United has shot to the top of the log!
The mean Green Machine warmed up for next Sunday’s Harare Derby with a clinical dispatch of Chicken Inn in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Luveve yesterday.

A well-taken Hardlife Zvirekwi shot from a tight angle in the 34th minute and Moses Muchenje’s pile drive in the 67th minute was all Makepekepe needed to end the hosts’ five match unbeaten run.

Not even second half substitute Bhekimpilo Ncube’s 76th minute header could deter coach Mike Madzivanyika — who stood in for his boss Taurai Mangwiro who is attending a CAF A coaching License — and his men from taking their points tally to 26points, two clear of second-placed Highlanders.

The visitors’ display did not mirror a side that threatened to boycott the match owing to unpaid bonuses, but a determined one, showing an eagerness to end a nine-year Premiership crown drought.

With the first half threatening to end on a goalless note, Zimbabwe international wingback Zvirekwi showed the classy act he is with a swerving volley that shocked Chicken Inn goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze.

It was a classy goal from a classy player!
After the breather, the Gamecocks never threatened much and it was no surprise when Muchenje doubled the lead after being sent through by Leonard Fiyado, who did well to dispossess a rather playful Ncube on the edge of the box.

A lapse in concentration by the visitors saw Ncube making amends for his earlier mistake, pulling one back for the hosts with a header that got the better of goalie Jorum Muchambo, but the capital side managed to hang on and leave Luveve with maximum points.

Caps United have been poor on the road this season, but two consecutive away wins over Chiredzi FC and Chicken Inn have boosted confidence.

Muchenje was delighted with the win.
“We wanted it bad; there was a lot of talk about Caps United being poor travellers, so this game was all about ending that talk. We worked hard and were full value for the points,” he said.