Caps United midfielder Marvel Samaneka believes their loss to Dynamos in the Harare derby last Sunday has given them the resolve ahead of their trip to Hwange this weekend.
The Harare football giants were edged 1-0 by Dynamos in the derby with midfielder Tawanda Muparati scoring the priceless goal. But Samaneka — one of the outstanding performers in the match — said although they lost, they were now more motivated.
“It was painful to lose against Dynamos, but that has given us confidence because of the way we played. We played well and I am confident that we will win against Hwange,’ said the talented midfielder.
His manager Sean Connor described him as “a very influential player”.
“He has a lot of influence in every game he plays. On Sunday he was outstanding. He is an attacking midfielder who can play anywhere either on the right, left or centre,” said Connor.
The Northern Irishman who described the Harare derby as the most entertaining match so far said he hoped to halt the club’s winless run with a victory over Hwange.
Hwange defeated Caps United 2-1 in the reverse fixture at Gwanzura.
Connor, who will be missing midfielder Tawanda Munyanduri and striker Washington Pakamisa through suspension, said Hwange play a robust and highly physical game and were dangerous on set pieces.
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“We have been working to address this. We have to defend high balls, free kicks and corner kicks.
We are playing well but every time we make a mistake we get punished. I am confident of coming with a victory from Hwange,” said Connor.
Caps’ loss to Dynamos followed two successive losses to Hwange (2-1) and Highlanders (1-0).
They currently lie 10th in the Premier League midway through the season — 14 points behind leaders Highlanders. Hwange are on eighth position with 20 points but have a game in hand. Hwange coach Tennant Chilumba, however, still has great respect for his opponents despite the fact that they are going through a bad spell.
“To me Caps United are a very good side. They have got experienced players and are playing well. I think it will be a very difficult match. But we are ready for them,”
Chilumba said although they would miss Rodwell Chinyengetere through suspension, it was team work which brought results.
“Of couse we will miss him but football is all about team work,” he said. Hwange will also be without Ocean Mpofu and Aaron Katebe through suspension.
