Langton Nyakwenda
STAGNATION is defined as a state of not flowing or moving.
In geography, water stagnation occurs when it stops flowing for a long period.
Stagnant water can be a major health and environmental hazard.
CAPS United have become more like a stagnant water body that is slowly turning into a hazard to their millions of fans.
They have become more like a potential health risk to those fans with hypertension.
As they say, the more things change, the more they remain the same, and this is apt for CAPS United, who are still in the same predicament they were in last season.
They battled against relegation last season, before finishing the race eight points above Black Rhinos, who occupied the last relegation position.
They had finished five points above the red zone in the 2021/2022 Castle Lager Premier League season.
Makepekepe might find themselves in the same predicament this season, if their recent performance record is anything to go by.
Lloyd Chitembwe’s men have just one win in the last 10 rounds and are four points above the relegation zone, going into the last 13 games of the 2024 campaign.
Even Hwange, who anchor the log, have won more games than CAPS United in the last 10 rounds.
Chipangano have two victories in the period under review.
Makepekepe have 24 points out of a possible 63, which translates to a 38 percent success rate for Chitembwe.
They had the same number of points at this stage last season.
Just like last season, CAPS United are going into Match Day 22 on the back of a similar poor run of one win in 10 matches.
And, just like last season, Makepekepe are also facing FC Platinum on Match Day 22.
The clash is at Rufaro Stadium this afternoon and the match is going to be broadcast live on ZTN Prime.
CAPS United are literally limping into Rufaro, hoping to salvage a battered image.
There were rumours that Chitembwe had resigned after last weekend’s 1-2 loss to Arenel Movers at Luveve Stadium, but club owner Farai Jere dismissed the speculation.
“This season alone, there are about 13 league games still to be played in the league and cup games too. So, it would be unjust to say the club has failed,” said Jere last week.
He went on to describe Chitembwe as “a precious jewel” that needed to be kept well.
“He is a man doing a lot of immense work at the club,” he said.
The CAPS United president has stood by Chitembwe through thick and thin.
In November 2021, Jere described Chitembwe as one of the finest gaffers on the domestic scene, after the coach had made a sensational return to the club. At the club’s end-of-year meeting in 2023, Jere reiterated his support for Chitembwe.
“Lloyd is the best coach in Zimbabwe. He is not going anywhere,” Jere was quoted in the media.
In February this year, Jere said of Chitembwe: “He is a great asset to the club and that is why he has a long-term contract. Chitembwe will remain at CAPS United for as long as I live.”
Worryingly for Makepekepe, they have never beaten Pure Platinum Play in the era of the Second Republic. Their last win against Norman Mapeza’s side was on August 16, 2017, when United edged their rivals 2-1 at Rufaro. Since this is again an August fixture and it is at Rufaro, maybe CAPS United can hope for some luck.
The reverse fixture was marred by crowd trouble at Mandava Stadium on April 6. Makepekepe fans invaded the pitch in protest against the referee’s decision to disallow Ralph Kawondera’s equaliser and the match was abandoned in the 86th minute, with FC Platinum leading 1-0.
The Zvishavane side were then awarded the match on a 3-0 scoreline.
Kawondera, who celebrated his 34th birthday on Friday, has a score to settle against his former paymasters.
“Because of what happened in the first leg, we are highly motivated and we need maximum points,” he told Zimpapers Sports Hub.
But Mapeza’s side has lost only once in the last 12 rounds.
FC Platinum are well-placed to win their fifth league title and have been boosted by the arrival of former Highlanders linkman Divine Mhindirira.
