CAPS United pedigree will come under severe scrutiny when they square off with Black Rhinos in the Zimbabwe National Army Charity Shield at Rufaro this afternoon.
BY MICHAEL MADYIRA
United have endured a torrid pre-season headlined by their financial instability, which has seen them departing from their usual big-spending tendency, resorting to signing virtually unknown players.
The Green Machine also parted ways with six senior players and stand-in coach Mkhupali Masuku. Brenna Msiska is at the helm on an interim basis again.
Following a morale-sapping 4-1 loss to South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns in an international friendly match last month, CAPS today face premiership returnees Rhinos, who could provide a measure of their mettle.
Msiska admitted they would be under spotlight this afternoon and any result would be a reflection of how they are likely to perform this season.
“Obviously, all the attention is on us. Everyone wants to see the kind of team we have for the new season. We tried our best in coming up with a competitive side,” said Msiska.
Injured diminutive midfielder Pride Tafirenyika was due to pass a fitness test last night while fellow linkman Tawanda Munyanduri is out with a knee injury although he has started light training.
- CAPS United dismiss player strike reports
- CAPS United rob Wha Wha
- CAPS Utd salvage point in four-goal thriller
- Inside sport: What has gone wrong at Dynamos?
Keep Reading
The army side will also be looking to assess their players, with old horses Lazarus Muhoni, Brighton Chandisaita, Brito Gwere, Lloyd Nyamadzawo and Shadreck Jim under spotlight to see if their game is still as fluent as it was a decade ago.
Rhinos coach Nisbert “Yabo” Saruchera has warned CAPS of an upset.
“We are underdogs in this match, but CAPS should not take us for granted because they could be surprised. Anything can happen and obviously we are gunning for a win,” said Saruchera.
“Besides bragging rights of winning the trophy being at stake, this is an important game to take a look at our new signings. We would see how much we have prepared.”
