CAPS United coach Taurai Mangwiro’s last Bulawayo trip ended in a 0-4 whipping by Highlanders, but this afternoon he will seek to appease the Green Machine fans when they play How Mine in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) match at Luveve Stadium. THANDIWE MOYO SPORTS CORRESPONDENT
Caps have managed for the first time this season to win two games in a row after beating Black Rhinos 2-0 two weeks ago and Dynamos 1-0 last Sunday, and will be hard-pressed to maintain this new-found form. Makepekepe are on position seven with 11 points, two shy of fifth-placed How Mine who are on 13.
“It is a big game for us. We did not have the best of outings in Bulawayo last time. We have bad memories of the match we played against Highlanders. We hope we will appease our fans,” he said.
“They (How Mine) have established themselves as a formidable team in the league and they did well in their maiden year going on to perform well in the Caf Confederation Cup competition. They might have had a shaky start, but we are aware of what they are capable of.”
Caps United will be without their number one shotstopper Tafadzwa Dube and captain Tapiwa Khumbuyani who both have ankle injuries.
“We have capable replacements for the players. Even though Tafadzwa is our number one, we have Chris Mverechena and Jorum Muchambo who are equally competent,” said the Caps United gaffer.
How Mine beat Chicken Inn 2-1 in the last league match with goals coming from Warriors striker Kuda Musharu.
The Metallon Gold-sponsored side have not beaten Caps United in a league match since their promotion into the league last season, losing 1-0 and 2-1.
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In another match, Hwange travel to Gweru for a date with Chapungu at Ascot Stadium.
Chapungu coach John Nyikadzino said they were not worried about Hwange.
“Their position on the log does not mean anything. There is nothing special about Hwange. They are not even better than Highlanders. Dynamos who are the defending champions came here and we beat them so there is nothing amazing about Hwange,” he said.
Chapungu drew 0-0 with Highlanders and beat Dynamos 1-0 with Talent Mwale scoring the lone goal. Hwange will be without Eric Chipeta, Isaac Masame, Aleck Marime and David Boriwondo. They top the PSL standings with 14 points and at number nine, Chapungu are four points behind.
Hwange coach Nation Dube said: “We have not played them before and what we hear is they are a good side. They are a hard team to beat and it will be a tough match.
“This is the time that the juniors have to show that they can do well in the team. We will have to make use of them in place of the injured players.”
