The Sunday Mail
CAPS UNITED goalie Tafadzwa Dube, whose breath-taking saves at Gwanzura last Sunday denied ZPC Kariba a historic league title, says there was nothing personal in that performance.
He insists that “only the desire to preserve a career” was the main motivation.
Dube’s agility between the sticks inspired Makepekepe to a famous 3-2 victory over ZPC Kariba — who needed just a draw — to effectively hand the title to bitter rivals Dynamos for the second year running.
Makepekepe’s spirited performance shocked many, including their own supporters who were expectedly rooting for ZPC Kariba.
However, Dube has reiterated that the spirit of Fair Play had to prevail and says Dynamos are deserved champions.
“We went into that game to do our job, nothing personal, and I am actually surprised that our supporters were on our throats after that victory.
“As Caps United, we had our own mission of preserving our top three position and the only way to do so was to win because we knew fourth-placed FC Platinum would definitely beat Chiredzi.
“Our careers were also on the line because these are the kind of games during which some players soil their track record with allegations of match-fixing.
“I do not care what our supporters think, this is about our careers,” said Dube.
Last year, Makepekepe helped DeMbare’s championship cause when they blocked Harare City’s bid to clinch a maiden title again on the last day of action, holding the Sunshine Boys to a 2-2 draw as the Glamour Boys were trouncing Black Mambas to lift a third straight title.
“It doesn’t matter if it was the second time that our result helped our rivals Dynamos; winners of the league should do so on merit and not expect to get favours because this is a big boys’ league.
“People are saying we wanted to prove a point to the guys who left us and joined ZPC Kariba, but that’s not it. In fact, we had our own small war with Platinum who overtook us on the log standings on the final day last year,” added Dube.
The influential goalie’s contract with Caps United expires at the end of December and a number of clubs are after his signature.
Dube is still to make up his mind.
“I have the Mbada Diamonds Cup to concentrate on before I look at where I will be next year. As Caps United, we have to win this tournament to salvage something from an otherwise disappointing year.
“Of course, there are always teams interested in my services, but that should be a story for another day,” he said.
