TWICE they have met this season in the league and on both occasions, CAPS United have emerged victors over minnows How Mine.
BY ALBERT MARUFU
However, CAPS United assistant coach Saul Chaminuka, believes it is a different ball game when the two sides meet today in the Mbada Diamonds Cup semifinals this afternoon.
In their first meeting CAPS United won the match 1-0, before winning by the same score line at the National Sports Stadium in the reverse fixture to assert their dominance over the gold miners.
But this time around, CAPS United have to win at all costs if they still entertain hopes of finishing the season with something in their trophy cabinet, as they have fallen by the way side as far as the league race is concerned.
“The fact that we have beaten How Mine twice seemingly gives us a psychological advantage, but it also means that they will be more than ready for us. They know what to expect of us as much as we know what to expect of them. Sunday’s [today] game will be very different from the previous two matches in that we have played them in the past,” said Chaminuka.
Chaminuka also said that people should be mindful of the fact that How Mine have beaten big teams — Dynamos and Highlanders home and away.
“They are a good side with a potential of inflicting an upset. We are ready for them,” he said.
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He added that defender Ronald Pfumbidzayi is doubtful for the game, as he is nursing an ankle injury.
“We do not have any injuries save for Pfumbidzayi. It is our hope that he would have recovered for the match,” he said.
United will be looking at the exploits of the evergreen Hardlife Zvirekwi, Leonard Fiyado and the usually dependable Tafadzwa Dube.
However, How Mine are an experienced side that includes former Highlanders captain Gilbert Banda, Hebert Dirk, Menard Mupera and striker Simba Sithole.
How Mine coach Philani “Beefy” Ncube said the two losses which they suffered at the hands of CAPS United actually motivates them.
“We definitely want to end the jinx. They cannot continue beating us. Besides, we also want to reach the final of this cup and to achieve that feat, we have to beat the best,” he said.
“It is a tough match for us but we are coming to Harare to compete. We have done our preparations and the team is free from injuries.”
