Caps United manager Sean Connor has upped the ante ahead of the Harare Derby against bitter rivals Dynamos at Rufaro Stadium on Sunday describing it as “a massive game”.
The game, he said, will give his technical team headaches in coming up with the final squad.
The Northern Irish man said yesterday his charges have been working hard at training with each player eager to convince the technical team.
“It’s a massive game,” said Connor. “It will be difficult for the coaches to pick the final team because everyone wants to play in this game.
There is competition which is good for the team. “So far we have no injury worries. We will have a clear picture by Sunday on who is in or who is not.”
Caps United, who last won the league title in 2005, have dipped in form recently and are on 9th position on the table with 19 points from 14 matches.
They have lost to Highlanders (1-0) and Hwange (2-1) in their last two matches and another stumble against Dynamos could plunge the team into a relegation fight.
Connor is also aware of the sounds of knives being sharpened against him following the team’s lacklustre show in recent weeks. But the Irishman insists form doesn’t count in a match like this.
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“Of course we have not been playing well and we lost to Highlanders who drew against Dynamos, but in games like this form doesn’t count. It’s a one off match and the better team will win,” he said.
Caps have been training at Belgravia Sports Club since Monday as the National Sports Stadium has been under renovations, but will be back at their usual training venue today.
Lloyd Chitembwe took charge of the training yesterday morning before Connor arrived towards the end of the session.
Former Gunners forward Leonard Fiyado — scorer of the consolation goal in the defeat against Hwange — will be one of the players to watch.
Fiyado is a proven scorer and is one man who can change the Green Machine’s fortunes. He will face his former teammate Cliff Sekete who has joined Dynamos.
Veteran Shingi Kawondera also appeared to be in an upbeat mood during yesterday morning’s training session.
Connor will be hoping for a change in fortunes as strikers Clive Kawinga and Evans Gwekwerere have been firing blanks.
Washington Pakamisa has also struggled with Rahman Kutsanzira, the only shining beacon.
Makepekepe will be under pressure as they have not beaten Dynamos in a league match in the past two seasons, while the Glamour Boys are aware they have a reputation to protect.
Dynamos, who will be looking to build from their 1-1 drawn game against old foes Highlanders on Sunday, could be welcoming back star midfielder Denver Mukamba who is yet to finalise his move to South African Premiership side Bidvest Wits University despite featuring in the inaugural Gauteng Cup at the weekend.
Dynamos are still not sure if leading striker Takesure Chinyama will be available for the match as his proposed move to Orlando Pirates in South Africa is only “95%” complete.
