NEW: Chitembwe will stay at CAPS United for as long as I live — Jere

Online Reporter

CAPS UNITED president Farai Jere says he is indebted to Lloyd Chitembwe and is prepared to give the coach a lifetime contract.

Jere also backed Chitembwe’s recruitment policy at the club’s unveiling ceremony at Standard Chartered Sports Club on Thursday.

The Green Machine coach is being criticised by some fans for his penchant for ageing players.

During the current transfer window, the veteran gaffer has recruited at least three players aged over 30.

Lot Chiwunga (37), Bruce Kangwa (35) and Ralph Kawondera (33) are some of the players who were unveiled on Thursday.

However, Makepekepe also recruited some youthful players, including 20-year-old winger Junior Bunjira, son to club legend Alois; and centre-back Brian Kadamanja from Yadah.

“I am very happy with how Chitembwe has gone about his business on the transfer market.

“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,” said Jere.

The CAPS United president said he is not worried about the age of the squad, as long as they produce results.

“I am not worried about age; we are not here to groom players. We want to do business at 3pm.

“We will continue with that trajectory until we have very good youngsters who can immediately make an impact,” he said.

Jere also praised Chitembwe for his unwavering commitment to CAPS.

“People easily forget history. When Chitembwe came back from Harare City in 2021, CAPS United had no money and he only had two weeks to assemble a squad.

“Even when things were tough, Chitembwe did not abandon ship.”

Chitembwe, who has won the league championship with CAPS United both as a player and a coach, acknowledges the criticism of his recruitment policy.

“I get a lot of stick, but I also like young players,” he said.

“However, I look at the player’s ability and not his age.”

Chitembwe has also acquired some promising players from the MAJESA and Jadel academies.