The Sunday Mail
Langton Nyakwenda
HWANGE coach Mebelo Njekwa claims Caps United made a mistake by moving their Castle Lager Premier Soccer League clash from the National Sports Stadium to Rufaro. The last time Hwange played Caps United at Rufaro, the coalminers emerged 1-0 victors on May 25, 2011 and Chipangano are confident they can do the business again when they return to the Mbare, Harare venue.
Last season Hwange pulled off a draw at Gwanzura in one of Caps United’s worst performances of the term and such statistics are giving Njekwa much reason to believe. “We can upset Caps United,” he declares. “They normally have an advantage when they are playing at the National Sports Stadium because the field is bigger than our own Colliery.
“If you look at it, Hwange have always fared better in Harare especially when we are playing in compact stadiums like Rufaro or Gwanzura.”
Hwange, who are coming out of a midweek goalless draw with defending champions Chicken Inn at the Colliery, have blown hot and cold this season. They are 11th on the log with four wins, two of them coming in the last five rounds; and today they come face-to-face with a Caps United attack that has only failed to score once in 11 games.
Lloyd Chitembwe’s men have the second best goal tally (17) in the league, are unbeaten in their last five games, and can keep the heat on log leaders Highlanders with victory this afternoon. Bosso have the best goal return (20).
With 23 points, Makepekepe are three points shy of Bosso who clash with Chicken Inn in a Bulawayo derby at Barbourfields this afternoon. Chitembwe has hinted that he will give former Dynamos central midfielder Devon Chafa a start while Tafadzwa “Fire” Rusike will at the least be on the bench.
Chafa has recovered from a niggling ankle injury saw him omitted from Caps’ squad at the start of the season, but was late on Friday registered with the Premier Soccer League. “He should play a part on Sunday (today). As for Tafadzwa (Rusike) the boy’s general fitness level is impressive and he will definitely play a part,” said Chitembwe.
The home side will be without Ronald Pfumbidzai, Kudzai Nyamupfukudza (both suspended), Leonard Tsipa (injury), and the rejuvenated Abbas Amidu, who is set for trials in Germany.
Fixtures (All matches start at 3pm) Chicken Inn v Highlanders (Barbourfields), Border Strikers v Harare City (Dulivhadzimu), Triangle v Tsholotsho (Gibbo), Mutare City v FC Platinum (Sakubva), Caps United v Hwange (Rufaro)
