The Sunday Mail
Don Makanyanga
ON-FIRE winger Phineas Bhamusi expects a hostile reception when he marks his return to Gibbo in the CAPS United colours for their Castle Lager Premiership clash against Triangle this afternoon.
Bhamusi retraced his footsteps to the Premiership giants at the start of the year after spending the whole of 2018 in Chiredzi on loan at the Sugar Sugar Boys.
He became a hit in Lowveld after playing a pivotal role in Triangle’s Chibuku Super Cup triumph that secured them a ticket to represent Zimbabwe in the CAF Confederation Cup.
But the pint-sized forward was recalled by his parent club at the expiry of his loan spell, a development that did not go down well with some Triangle supporters.
“I am aware that Triangle supporters were not happy with my decision to leave the club and I know a hostile reception awaits me,” Bhamusi said.
The 28-year-old winger, whose pace has been tormenting defenders this season, however insists that both CAPS United and Triangle hold a special place in his heart and indicated that he would not celebrate should he score today.
“In the event that I score, I will not celebrate, Triangle has a special place in my heart. “I will always respect Triangle for the contribution it had to my career and in as much as it is an emotional game for me, I want both teams to do well this season.
“That said, today is different and I will to do my best to help CAPS United get the maximum points,” said Bhamusi.
Bhamusi, a Soccer Stars of The Year finalist, also spoke about his decision to leave the Sugar Sugar Boys.
“Player movement is normal in football, it’s all about the best deal and personal development for a player and his family.“It was a hard decision to make, but at the end of the day, life is all about taking gambles,” he said. At the end of the day, it came to what was best for Bhamusi and his wife Michelle. “I have always been a CAPS United supporter from my days at school, and my wife told me that playing for CAPS United was ideal as she enjoyed the Green Machine’s home games. “It was a tough decision to make but after looking at a couple of things, I decided to return to CAPS United.
“CAPS United is home to me.
With CAPS United yet to taste defeat in the current campaign, Bhamusi does not regret making the move.
He even turned his back on a chance to play in the Confederation Cup with Triangle.
“We have had a good start at CAPS United and it’s always a good feeling to be part of a team that is doing well.
“The good start makes the gamble worth it.
“Now, I want to help CAPS United win the championship and also be among the best three players for the 2019 season,” Bhamusi said.
CAPS United coach Lloyd Chitembwe has also reserved some special praise for Bhamusi and newboy Gabriel Nyoni, who arrived from Highlanders with the gaffer revealing that the duo has given his team the width and pace that has helped open up defences.
Chitembwe, who has on a few occasions watched the Sugar Sugar Boys in action, feels the Lowveld based side has just been unfortunate in not getting desired results.
“I have been very fortunate to watch some of their games. Triangle is a good team which has a very good coach and it is just unfortunate that they have not been getting desired results and it’s something we cannot base on.
“It is a very difficult game for us and like I always say, there are no easy games in the Premiership, hence we are expecting a tough match on Sunday (today) but we will go out with a winning mentality,” said Chitembwe. Triangle have lost three, won two and drawn one of their six opening matches. They go into this match on the back of two consecutive defeats against Chapungu and Black Rhinos. Nonetheless, Taurai Mangwiro is confident his team can bounce back.
“We are preparing for our game against CAPS United and as a team, we are currently on the back-foot, the results of the last games have not been pleasing.
“We still believe we are a good team. What we went through are just set-backs, hence we need to pick ourselves up, starting with this game. It is games like these that can steer the team to greater heights. “Whenever you claim a big scalp, it gives you the momentum going forward, something that we need as a club,” said Mangwiro.
PSL fixtures
Triangle v CAPS Utd (Gibbo), Yadah v Dynamos (Rufaro), Herentals v Manica Diamonds (NSS), TelOne v FC Platinum (Luveve), Hwange v Chapungu (Colliery)
