CAPS United unveiled two foreign-based players from Equatorial Guinea and Zambia yesterday as they seek to mount a challenge on the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title.
BY TAWANDA TAFIRENYIKA
The Green Machine announced the capture of Equatorial Guinea midfielder Antonio Fugo, who was playing for Deportivo Mongomo in his home country.
Defender Michael Mwenya from Lime Hotspurs in Zambia was also unveiled at the ceremony as were local players including former Caps United utility players Method Mwanjali and Oscar Machapa, who make a return to the club after a lengthy absence.
The players were unveiled at Harare Sports Club yesterday with club president Farai Jere, board chairman Lewis Uriri, board member (technical) Modecai Sachikonye, board member responsible for supporters Abraham Kawadza and Alois Bunjira, who is responsible for marketing, all attending the unveiling ceremony.
Also in attendance was Makoni North Member of Parliament Francis Muchenje — a staunch Caps United supporter.
Mwanjali, who left the Green Machine some six years ago, has played for South African football giants Mamelodi Sundowns and Mpumalanga Black Aces where he was captain of the sides while Machapa makes a return after a stint in South Africa with Moroka Swallows before returning home to join Dynamos.
Young Warriors defender Justice Jangano joined from Division One side Yadah Gunners while Harare City forward Phineas Bhamusi was also formally introduced.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
The 23-year-old Fugo, who is on a student scholarship at TelOne, was excited at joining the Green Machine.
“I am here as a student on a scholarship and being a soccer player I am happy to join Caps United. It’s a good experience for me to play for Caps United. I have been playing for Deportivo Mongomo in the Premier League back home for the past two years. All along I have been playing in the lower divisions and I hope to do well for Caps United,” said the midfielder who is also comfortable playing as a striker.
Machapa said Caps United had been monitoring him while at Dynamos.
“They have been following me up and when they realised my contract was coming to an end, they grabbed the opportunity and offered me a contract. So I have come where I was wanted and hope to do well,” Machapa said.
Mwanjali, who has also seen duty at Hwange and Shabanie Mine, said he would do his best at Caps United.
“With the experience I have gained, I have a role to play at Caps United. I will help guide the younger players for the team to achieve its objectives,” Mwanjali said.
Caps United coach Mark Mathe, whose side faces Harare City in the reverse fixture at the National Sports Stadium, said they had signed experienced players to bolster a relatively young squad.
“We have a relatively young squad at Caps United and we have signed some experienced players who can take the heat in the second half of the season. Most of the players are not outright defenders. If you look at Mwanjali you can play him in midfield as well, Oscar is also attack- minded and Mwenya is a modern-day defender who spends most of his time on the offensive. I think it’s a balanced side,” Mathe said.
