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Khumbuyani on big match

Sport
CAPS UNITED captain Tapiwa Khumbuyani believes his side can complete a rare double over a limping Highlanders when the two teams meet

CAPS UNITED captain Tapiwa Khumbuyani believes his side can complete a rare double over a limping Highlanders when the two teams meet in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo on Sunday.

REPORT BY HENRY MHARA

The roving right-back led his team to a 2-1 win over Bosso at the National Sports Stadium in the capital last week, a win that took Caps back into the title race.

However, the Bulawayo side were left with a sour feeling of injustice as Leonard Fiyado appeared to be in an offside position when he scored the decisive goal.

Dominic Chungwa scored the first goal for Caps United, while Highlanders’ only goal came from Milton Ncube.

“It will be difficult for us, but still it is possible. The good thing is unlike Highlanders, we are not under pressure,” Khumbuyani said.

“They are hard-pressed to win the match in front of their fans. They have not been doing well in the last few games and they would want to win this match to bring back their confidence,” Khumbuyani added.

The Caps skipper went on: “We had a difficult start, but looking at the log standings, we have a big chance.

“Our slow start was expected because we had many new players in the team. We now know each other very well and the new players have gelled well into the team.”

Former Highlanders man Rahman Kutsanzira was on top of his game in that crucial win, and Khumbuyani reckons the speedy winger will have a huge say in the Sunday fixture.

“There was nothing unusual about Rahman’s performance that day. He is a quality player, but injuries were affecting him. His talents are unquestionable and we expect a similar performance again from him on Sunday. But for us it’s not about individual effort but we work as a team. Everyone is working hard to make it into the final squad,” Khumbuyani said.

Highlanders are under pressure to win the match after recording three successive defeats last month. But coach Kaindu has refused to admit there is a crisis at his club.

“It has been a difficult spell for us and everyone is disappointed, but it’s normal in football. What is needed at the moment is for the team to remain united. We need to have character and look for ways we can stop the losing streak,” Kaindu said.

Caps United will travel to Bulawayo without striker Tawanda Nyamandwe who is suspended, while Ronald Pfumbidzai is doubtful.

The roving left-back picked a thigh injury against Highlanders and has not been well since.

Pfumbidzai had light training yesterday although the Caps United medical team are still hopeful that he will make it into the final travelling squad.

United’s city counterparts Dynamos are also in Bulawayo this Saturday where they will clash with How Mine at Luveve Stadium.

The Harare giants should welcome back striker Washington Pakamisa who missed the team’s previous three matches due to an injury.

Dynamos manager Richard Chihoro yesterday confirmed that Pakamisa was training with the rest of the squad. Fixtures

Friday: Chicken Inn v Shabanie Mine (Luveve) Saturday: Black Mambas v Triangle (Morris), How Mine v Dynamos (Luveve), Harare City v Hwange (Rufaro) Sunday: Buffaloes v Tripple B (Sakubva), Black Rhinos v FC Platinum (Rimuka), Motor Action v Monomotapa (Motor Action Sports Club), Highlanders v CAPS United (Barbourfields)