The Sunday Mail
CAPS UNITED’S trusted defender Stephen Makatuka has suffered a double blow ahead of today’s Battle of Cities Part II at the National Sports Stadium.
The 28-year-old centre back will not only miss Caps United’s high profile clash against Highlanders, through suspension, but has also missed an opportunity to finally land a foreign move.
Makatuka, a long time favourite of Amazulu coach Joey Antipas, was on the verge of joining the South African National First Division One side but the deal has gone up in smoke.
Usuthu failed to match Caps United’s demands for the former Hippo Valley defender while the late emergence of a third party in the negotiations also complicated the deal.
Antipas confirmed his interest on Makatuka had cooled off after he was instructed by Amazulu general manager Lunga Sokhela to “forget about the defender.”
“I have been trying to chase up the boy but well, he doesn’t come cheap so I will have to look elsewhere,” said the 57-year-old tactician.
“He is now 28 and if he doesn’t make a move now he is going into the last chance saloon.“My general manager has told me to forget about him,” said Antipas, who recently guided Amazulu to victory in the Uthungulu Mayoral Cup.
Although Caps United could not reveal the figures involved, amounts in the region of $60 000 were thrown around in the early stages of negotiations.
Makatuka has been affected by the sudden twist of events and close friends of the tough tackling defender say he has been an unsettled figure throughout the week.
The defender also feels like he missed a golden opportunity.
“I have been loyal to Caps United and will always be but I also feel that, given my age, if an opportunity arises this should be the right time make a foreign move,” said Makatuka.
The defender was pivotal in the first episode of the Battle of Cities, which Caps United lost 0-1 at Barbourfields a fortnight ago, but Makatuka will not be part of the proceedings when the second part kicks off at 4PM today.
The centre back picked his third consecutive yellow card at BF and is joined on the sidelines by the temperamental Leonard Tsipa who was red carded for head butting Bosso defender Peter Muduhwa.
The experienced duo’s absence could be a huge blow for Makepekepe who are all out for a revenge mission.
Caps United are third on the log and two points behind second placed Highlanders, who moved to 31 points after the midweek nil all draw against Triangle.
A victory for Makepekepe, who are yet to lose a league match to Bosso in Harare since August 2012, could see the two sides swapping positions on the log table.
Gaffer Lloyd Chitembwe has been calm as usual and trusts those available will do the Green Machine proud.
He can turn to 2014 Soccer Star of the Year Dennis Dauda to solve the centre back headache while the availability of Simba Nhivi and Dominic Chungwa gives Chitembwe Plan B upfront.
Devon Chafa, described by Chitembwe as the best defensive linkman in the land, holds the key in midfield alongside former Bosso star Joel Ngodzo.
Last season Caps United walloped Highlanders 3-1 at the same venue, with the veteran Tsipa starring for Makepekepe.
Fixtures (All matches kick off 3 pm unless stated)
Hwange v Tsholotsho (Colliery), Chicken Inn v Harare City (BF), Triangle v Ngezi Platinum Stars (Gibbo), Caps United v Highlanders (NSS, 4 pm)
