WILL it be another energy-sapping defeat for Makepekepe? This is the question in many fans’ minds when the struggling side hosts rivals Dynamos in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at the National Sports Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Report by Albert Marufu
CAPS United fans have forgotten how to celebrate victory as their team has gone on a record six-game losing streak, becoming the butt of mocking songs from their rival Dynamos’ fans. If the team losses today, this will be their seventh loss on the trot and having lost the first leg 1-0 last month, owing to a Tawanda Muparati late strike, Dynamos go into the match with a psychological advantage.
Doubts over the availability of injured DeMbare players — Murape Murape, who is nursing a knee injury, Farai Mupasiri (arm injury), Milton Makopa (chest pains) and defender Partson Jaure (knee), could however work into CAPS United’s favour.
Neither side can afford to lose Sunday’s match, with Dynamos hoping to play catch-up with log leaders, Highlanders, while CAPS United, at position 11 on the log, are in a very unfamiliar position for a traditional giant.
CAPS United goalkeeper’s coach, Brenna Msiska, believes Makepekepe, like the proverbial phoenix will rise from the ashes and win the derby.
Msiska believes that it is now time for CAPS United players to come out of their shells and beat Dynamos. “I think we are going to win. We have done everything right to win the derby and you know, form rarely counts when it comes to derbies. CAPS United players should make their fans start believing in them,” he said.
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“They should remember that it is in these big games that a soccer star of the year emerges. One who puts a match-winning performance in these derbies, will last longer in people’s minds. This was the case during our time.”
Striker Shingi Kawondera, who has failed to find the target since joining the club last month, concured with his coach. “I have a strong feeling that God will smile at us tomorrow. We have been playing very well in the past. It is just that we did not have the luck. I think I will score my first goal for CAPS United tomorrow (Sunday),” he said.
Kawondera might not be far from the truth for when Rahman Kutsanzira and Marvel Samaneka are on a song, then Dynamos are poised for a rude awakening. However, David Rediyoni is doubtful as he is carrying an ankle injury.
Dynamos assistant coach Tichaona Diya expressed confidence that his side will win the tie. “Murape, Mupasiri, Jaure and Makopa will have to pass late fitness tests. This is going to be a tough game, but we hope to win as we want to retain the championship,” said Diya. Sunday’s matches CAPS United FC v Dynamos (National Sports Stadium), Chicken Inn FC v Shabanie FC (Luveve) Wednesday: Dynamos v FC Platinum (Rufaro).
Results at a glance
Harare City 0-0 Highlanders FC Platinum 0-3 Monomotapa, Motor Action 2-1 Hwange Blue Rangers 3-2 Hardbody Gunners 1-2 Black Mambas Quelaton 0-0 Buffaloes
