CAPS United are confident of defending their ZNA Charity Shield as they make the trip to Mandava to face FC Platinum in a potentially explosive final on Saturday. SPORTS CORRESPONDENT
Caps United assistant coach Mike Madzivanyika said they were targeting to retain the trophy which they won last year after edging army side Black Rhinos in the final.
He said their 2-1 defeat to FC Platinum this season — the Zvishavane-based side’s first victory over Caps United since gaining promotion into Premiership football in 2011 — was still fresh in their minds.
He, however, said that defeat had given them the resolve as they square up in a cup final.
“We are aware they [FC Platinum] defeated us 2-1 in the league, but that defeat has given us strength as we meet in the ZNA Charity Shield,” Madzivanyika said.
“We have since forgotten about that defeat and are looking to the future. We are going there with the aim of defending the trophy but we know we have to work hard to get the result we need on the day. It will not be easy.”
The tournament usually features teams from the defence forces, but this year, the organisers decided to make it bigger by roping in the top Premiership sides Dynamos, Highlanders, Caps United and FC Platinum.
Makepekepe advanced to the final after emerging 1-0 winners over Dynamos at the National Sports Stadium in the semi-finals while FC Platinum were 3-2 victors over Highlanders at Barbourfields in May.
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FC Platinum now have a new coach — Norman Mapeza — who took over from Lloyd Mutasa.
The Zvishavane outfit has said they are taking the match seriously and would field their best team on the day.
The winning team will walk away with a trophy and “some incentives” which will be revealed at a later date.
The army charities matches are part of the fund-raising activities for the armies various charities.
