IAN Bakala's tenure as the new head coach of CAPS United commenced with an engaging one-all draw against Herentals yesterday at Rufaro Stadium.
The CAPS United faithful might have anticipated a dream start for Bakala when their captain, Phineas Bhamusi, executed a solo effort to put the Harare giants ahead at the hour mark.
However, their joy was shortlived as the Students responded just six minutes later. Substitute Eric Dombo's well-taken strike leveled the score, resulting in the two teams sharing the spoils.
Despite failing to secure all three points, CAPS United displayed a noticeable improvement from the outset. Had their attacking trio of Jayden Bakari, Bhamusi, and Junior Bunjira been more clinical in front of goal, they could have entered the halftime break with a lead of at least two goals.
Even with the draw, the CAPS United supporters were visibly pleased with the team's performance.
They showed their appreciation by calling the players and their new coach Bakala over to the City End Stand, where they applauded them.
While the Green Machine remains within the relegation zone, currently sitting 14th on the log with nine points, their new coach Bakala expressed his satisfaction with his team's showing, although he remains concerned about their defense.
"I think it was all about the mental strength of the players and I think they did very well in the game despite the fact that we did a mistake that led us to concede the goal," he said.
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"We just needed to protect the goal and we need to work especially on our defending, but I'm impressed with the team.
"I have been here for just two days and the boys are responding very well and from the game, I think they applied at least 60% of what I taught them.
"So going forward I think we just need to work especially on our defence."
On the other side, Herentals coach Paul Benza was pleased that his team managed to secure a point against one of the league's prominent sides, CAPS United.
"It was a good point for us especially coming from behind, I'm happy for the boys to show good character," Benza said.
"They did not hide from the game, we knew we were the underdogs going into the game and getting a point from it is massive for us."
