Zvirekwi born again

He leads the praise and worship team at his church.

At Caps United Hardlife Zvirekwi is also leading from the front after Lloyd Chitembwe pushed him into a more advanced role.

The 30-year-old skipper has scored two goals and provided an assist in the last three matches since assuming a new attacking role on the right flank.

Zvirekwi banged a brace when Caps United thumped Bantu Rovers 3-1 in Bulawayo on September 10.

Last Thursday, his pinpoint cross was headed home by John Zhuwawu as the Green Machine scrambled a 1-0 win in Hwange.

As a result, Makepekepe have slowly clawed their way back into recognition, rising to sixth in the league.

Buoyed by last Sunday’s 1-0 win over Dynamos in the Harare Derby, Chitembwe’s boys have hit top gear ahead of today’s intriguing Chibuku Super Cup first round clash against Ngezi Platinum Stars at the Baobab.

But Zvirekwi is wary of Tonderai Ndiraya’s side.

“It’s going to be a tough match because Ngezi are a very competitive side. It’s going to be a blockbuster,” reckons Zvirekwi.

A member of the Praise and Worship team at his church, Kairos Community Church International (KCCI), Zvirekwi must be praying Makepekepe will be singing all the way back from Mhondoro.

He is loving his latest role and for a player who has played more than four positions since his high school days at Mount Pleasant, Zvirekwi sees the change “as no big deal”.

“I have played many positions and that’s why it doesn’t take me much time to adjust. It was coach Lodza (Chitembwe) who pushed me back to right-back from midfield and now he has pushed me upfront again.

“It shows the coach trusts me in this new role ,so as a professional I do what I am asked to do on the pitch.”

Caps United will have clocked over 1 710km in four days of travelling by the time they arrive in Mhondoro this morning.

They travelled to Hwange on Wednesday and played a league match a day later.They came back on Friday evening and had a day’s rest before today’s big clash.

All this happening after a gruelling Harare Derby last Sunday.

Caps United players might suffer from battle weariness when they march into Baobab.

“That’s quite obvious, we are humans. Too many games in a short space of time is dangerous but we always try to do well.

“However, sometimes things don’t go as anticipated,” warned Zvirekwi.

With 38 points, 14 behind new log leaders Dynamos, Makepekepe are as good as out of the title race.

Their hopes of silverware lie in the Chibuku Super Cup – a trophy they have never captured since its re-introduction in 2014.

Last season, the Green Machine bowed out in the first round.

But Zvirekwi is not reading much into his side’s chequered history in the Chibuku tourney.

“To us every match is a different task no matter which competition we are playing. We will try our best to come out with a positive result in Mhondoro, although like I said it’s going to be tough.”

A revived Dominic Chungwa will lead the Caps United attack, ably assisted by Zhuwawu who has been a revelation for Makepekepe in the second half of the season.

Devon Chafa, arguably the best defensive linkman in the league today, will provide stability in the middle of the park with Stephen Makatuka marshalling the rearguard.

Jorum Muchambo looks set to continue guarding the goal.

Caps United have played Ngezi Platinum Stars twice at the Baobab in league matches and both clashes ended in a stalemate.

The two played out a 1-1 draw on April 10, 2016 while early this year it was 2-2 at the Baobab.

However, Caps United carry a psychological advantage going into today’s encounter having thrashed Ngezi 3-0 at Rufaro last month.

Chibuku Super Cup

First Round Fixtures

 

Highlanders v Harare City

(Mandava)

 

Dynamos v Bulawayo City (Rufaro)

 

ZPC Kariba v Shabani

(Nyamhunga)

 

How Mine v Bantu Rovers (Ascot)

Ngezi Platinum v Caps United (Baobab)