The Sunday Mail
Ishemunyoro Chingwere – Sports Reporter
TROUBLED Caps United will be seeking to bring some cheer to their long-suffering supporters when they host an unpredictable How Mine at Rufaro this afternoon.
It’s a tough test for the Green Machine with the visitors desperate for points as they seek to power their way away from the relegation puzzle under the tutelage of Luke “Vahombe” Masomere.
Masomere has had a ball each time he has faced Caps United during Taurai Mangwiro’s reign and the outspoken mentor does not envisage tasting his first defeat today.
“I go into every match seeking to win,” declared Masomere.
After poor showings in the knock-out competitions, Caps United now appreciate that their only hope for silverware this term lies in the league where they are seeking a title triumph they last cheered in 2005 with Charles Mhlauri as the coach.
Mangwiro, who has done commendably well under difficult circumstances, disclosed that after last weekend’s 0-1 defeat to FC Platinum in the Chibuku Super Cup focus was now being turned on the league title race.
“This is football, you win some and you lose some. We are out of the two tournaments (Chibuku Super Cup and NetOne One Wallet Cup) but I think we still have a good chance in the league race.
“It’s time we regroup, pick up ourselves and focus on the league which is now our only hope for silverware this season,” Mangwiro said.
The Caps United gaffer’s attack line will be centred on mid-season acquisitions Nicholas Alifandika and Honey Chimutimunzeve while the evergreen Tendai Samanja is expected to mop up the mess in the middle of the park.
A revived Kelvin Bulaji and roving right back Hardlife Zvirekwi are potential match winners.
Mangwiro can also push Zvirekwi into midfield in order to accommodate skipper Tapiwa Khumbuyani, who sat out the defeat to FC Platinum, at right back.
Mangwiro will also have to find a way of cementing his central defence as Stephen Makatuka is suspended while David Chipala is yet to regain match fitness. Chipala only resumed full training last week after a knee injury induced absence.
Makepekepe will not find it easy against a battle-hardened Chikurupati who have since welcomed back veteran defensive linkman Menard Mupera from a long injury lay-off while club top scorer Kuda Musharu remains a threat.
United collected maximum points in both their matches against How Mine last season but found the going tough in May as they fell to a 0-2 away defeat.
Fixtures:
Caps United v How Mine (Rufaro), Buffaloes v Triangle United (Sakubva), Hwange v Chapungu (Colliery).
