Harare – Caps United are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 1-1 draw with ZPC Kariba last week and beat rivals Harare City in a Premiership derby at Rufaro Stadium this Saturday afternoon.
And just like Dynamos, the Green Machine will be without key players like central defender Blessing Zabula, who has a swollen ankle, strikers Leonard Fiyado and Tongai Magwendere, who were casualties from their opening match.
Hardlife Zvirekwi is also still out while highly-rated Malawian striker Ismael Thindwa is still waiting for his clearance papers. Despite this coach Taurai Mangwiro says they will not be deterred by these setbacks.
“It would have been ideal if we had all our players available, but this is part of the game. I am not really worried though because I believe everyone in our squad has the ability to do well if given the opportunity. So we are looking forward to some good performances,” said Mangwiro.
“I can’t talk much about Harare City but remember it’s the same team that took four points from us last year. This is an important fixture for us. We said we wanted a good start to the season and it was unfortunate last week that we dropped points against ZPC Kariba.
“For an opening match, however, I think the team played well but our conversion was our biggest letdown. We have been working on that and we would like to see an improvement.
“Our supporters were fantastic last week and I would like to commend them for their support. I am urging them to do the same thing in all our matches. I know their expectations are high and I am sure we can achieve much if they continue rallying behind us,” said Mangwiro.
FIXTURES
Saturday
How Mine v Bantu Rovers (Luveve), FC Platinum v Hwange (Mandava, SS, 1pm), Harare City v CAPS United (Rufaro)
Sunday
Highlanders v Shabanie Mine (Barbourfields), Triangle v Chiredzi (Gibbo), Dynamos v ZPC Kariba (NSS), Black Rhinos v Chapungu (Rimuka), Buffaloes v Chicken Inn (Sakubva)
And just like Dynamos, the Green Machine will be without key players like central defender Blessing Zabula, who has a swollen ankle, strikers Leonard Fiyado and Tongai Magwendere, who were casualties from their opening match.
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| CAPS United president Twine Phiri (right) and coach Taurai Mangwiro chat at the club’s training ground in Harare |
“It would have been ideal if we had all our players available, but this is part of the game. I am not really worried though because I believe everyone in our squad has the ability to do well if given the opportunity. So we are looking forward to some good performances,” said Mangwiro.
“I can’t talk much about Harare City but remember it’s the same team that took four points from us last year. This is an important fixture for us. We said we wanted a good start to the season and it was unfortunate last week that we dropped points against ZPC Kariba.
“For an opening match, however, I think the team played well but our conversion was our biggest letdown. We have been working on that and we would like to see an improvement.
“Our supporters were fantastic last week and I would like to commend them for their support. I am urging them to do the same thing in all our matches. I know their expectations are high and I am sure we can achieve much if they continue rallying behind us,” said Mangwiro.
FIXTURES
Saturday
How Mine v Bantu Rovers (Luveve), FC Platinum v Hwange (Mandava, SS, 1pm), Harare City v CAPS United (Rufaro)
Sunday
Highlanders v Shabanie Mine (Barbourfields), Triangle v Chiredzi (Gibbo), Dynamos v ZPC Kariba (NSS), Black Rhinos v Chapungu (Rimuka), Buffaloes v Chicken Inn (Sakubva)
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