The Sunday Mail
AFTER every demanding training session Caps United players find their refreshment in water and imitating coach Lloyd Chitembwe.
These days they coin jokes around Chitembwe’s “suddenly you have become big” statement.
Chitembwe is one of the toughest coaches in the Premier Soccer League and always demands maximum effort from his chargers.
Yet the Makepekepe mentor knows when to have a laugh and last Thursday morale was at an all-time high in the team’s camp with Hardlife Zvirekwi’s return to training a source of joy.
After the session was done the Caps United players gathered around Zvirekwi and gave him a warm applause.
After that they were also asked to salute new“convert” Denver Mukamba, who according to Chitembwe has never pitched up late for training since crossing the floor from Dynamos.
Then it was time for jokes.
Almost every player would drop one or two of Chitembwe’s exciting lines, drawing a loud laughter that engulfed the serene environment of Zifa Village.
Suddenly you are wearing Adidas shoes, suddenly you are going home straight after training and suddenly I feel hungry are some of the statements that were unleashed.
“That’s how we loosen up here, jokes are allowed but when it’s time for serious business everyone switches into another gear,” revealed new Caps United captain Steven Makatuka.
Makepekepe face Herentals today having registered their first win of the season last Sunday when they beat Black Rhinos 2-0 at the National Sports, courtesy of a Simba Nhivi brace.
Caps United, who drew their opening three fixtures against Harare City, Bulawayo Chiefs and FC Platinum, have six points out of a possible 12.
While nothing is taken for granted there is a feeling within their camp that the Herentals game is one that is winnable. “These are the games that we should win if we are to be taken seriously in this championship race.
“I am not saying we are going to win the league title but as you are aware at Caps the target is always to win the race,” said Makatuka who is fluent in 10 local languages, including Bemba, Chewa, Nambia, Tonga, Shona, Ndebele and Swahili.
The Binga born Makatuka has had a fine start to the season, marshalling a defence that has kept three clean sheets in four matches.
He says the clean sheets are the fruits of coach Chitembwe’s emphasis on every detail.
“Coach Lodza is the best joker especially when we are travelling but when it comes to serious business he is very tough and particular.
“We work on every aspect at training, we try to anticipate every situation. Its hard work but as players we are reaping the results of that hard work,” he said.
Chitembwe, who spent much of Thursday’s session working with his midfielders revealed that most of his players are getting to a level where he wants them to be.
“Remember, its early season and trying to get the right balance is a bit difficult at this stage but I am impressed with how the boys are getting better with each day,” he said.
The Caps United coach doesn’t believe the inclusion of 45-year-old Innocent Benza in the Herentals’ team makes “The Students” a weaker side.
“No, no at all. Football is not about individuals, we do not look at individual components of the game, we look at the team.
“Herentals are a professional side that deserves respect but hopefully we will get it right against them,” said Chitembwe.
