CAPS United coach Mark Harrison is braced for what he believes will be the toughest test yet for his team in the 2015 Premier Soccer League campaign where they have started with a perfect record in the first two matches.
By Tawanda Tafirenyika/Fortune Mbele
The Englishman might have got off to a dream start, but the experience in the How Mine ranks as well as their direct style of play have given the gaffer extra homework. Caps United beat Whawha and FC Platinum 2-1 and 1-0 respectively, but a trip to Luveve against the expensively-assembled Luke Masomere side is a daunting expedition which Harrison is well aware.
While most of the fans are already rubbing their hands in glee for the big Harare derby on Monday, Harrison believes today’s match is as big a job as the one on Monday and is firmly focused another set of full points.
“To be honest with you, How Mine will be more difficult than FC Platinum,” said Harrison. “They are a more experienced side. They are more direct than FC Platinum. They offer a different style of play. I think from the games we have played so far How Mine will be the most difficult team. FC Platinum play a passing game, building from the back, but How Mine love to be more direct,” said Harrison adding he has no injury worries as he makes the trip to Bulawayo.
Caps United are coming from a morale-boosting win over youthful FC Platinum at the weekend.
Fullback Ronald Pfumbidzai scored the only goal that counted for the Green Machine to collect full points having started off with a victory over premiership newboys Whawha in the opening match of the season.
The Green Machine will now be seeking to go into the Harare derby against rivals Dynamos with their confidence high. That has to start with a victory over How Mine.
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However, the gold miners, who triumphed 2-1 over Premiership newboys Dongo Sawmill at Vengere Stadium on Sunday, will also be seeking to maintain their form after a sluggish start to the season which saw them stuttering to a 0-0 draw against Chapungu in their opening match of the season.
The presence of last term’s two joint top goal scorers, former Highlanders forward Charles Sibanda and Kuda Musharu could not inspire them to glory in the season opener.
How Mine coach Luke Masomere has been boosted by the return of some of their key players.
“We are ready for the game and we have prepared very well”, said masomere. “The team is intact despite a few injuries with (Tawanda) Muparati still having three more weeks out.
However, Godfrey Nguwodzawo and Nyasha Mukumbi are back. Gilbert Banda is still out, but I am happy that the majority of the guys are back and would like to thank the How Mine doctors for a job well done. I have my game plan for tomorrow (today) and not reading much to who I am playing.”
Full Fixtures
Match Day Three
Thursday: How Mine v Caps United (Luveve SS9) Good Friday: Whawha v Harare City Ascot), Chicken Inn v Tsholotsho (Luveve), ZPC Kariba v Buffaloes (Gwanzura), Highlanders v Hwange (Barbourfields SS9), Dynamos v Dongo Sawmill (NSS), Triangle United v Chapungu (Gibbo) Match Day Four Easter Sunday: Harare City v FC Platinum (Rufaro) postponed, Flame Lily v How Mine (Gwanzura SS9) ), Buffaloes v Highlanders (Vhengere) Easter Monday: Dongo Sawmill v Triangle United (Vengere), Chicken Inn v Whawha (Luveve), Caps United v Dynamos (NSS SS9), Tsholotsho v Hwange (White City), Chapungu v ZPC Kariba (Ascot) Wednesday: FC Platinum v Flame Lily (Mandava SS9)
