×
NewsDay

AMH is an independent media house free from political ties or outside influence. We have four newspapers: The Zimbabwe Independent, a business weekly published every Friday, The Standard, a weekly published every Sunday, and Southern and NewsDay, our daily newspapers. Each has an online edition.

Chitembwe builds team spirit at Caps

Sport
CAPS United coach Lloyd Chitembwe is enjoying the fruits of instilling collectivity and team spirit in the squad since he took over the reins at the Harare football giants a month ago.

CAPS United coach Lloyd Chitembwe is enjoying the fruits of instilling collectivity and team spirit in the squad since he took over the reins at the Harare football giants a month ago.

BY HENRY MHARA

Yesterday, the often hard-to-please gaffer lavished praise on his squad for the way they have worked, and outlined the determination within the group to improve.

Addressing the media ahead of the trip to ZPC Kariba tomorrow, Chitembwe believes the squad has embraced a collective show of strength, which he said is what is needed to move the club forward.

“I’m very grateful to the players, they have taken responsibility and there is no coach who can demand more of what these guys have done so far. They have been very responsible, very professional and I’m sure they will continue giving us that,” said Chitembwe.

He added: “To be honest, I’m very impressed, they have adapted quicker than I anticipated. If there is anything that any coach at any level enjoys to see are players reproducing in a game situation what he would have taught them in training — not necessarily the tactical demands, but the desire and effort. The players have given me exactly that and I’m very happy.”

Caps United fans enjoying the match

Since Chitembwe’s return, Caps have collected an impressive seven points from a possible nine. They have an opportunity to increase their points tally, but they face a ZPC Kariba side that has won three of their last four matches.

A win will see Chitembwe’s side move to fourth position above Triangle, who will only be action on Sunday.

He is anticipating a tough challenge though against Sunday Chidzambwa’s boys who have also picked good form of late after collecting nine points from their last four matches.

“We have worked hard for this fixture. We are looking forward to a very difficult game. ZPC are not a small team, they have big players and are coached by an iconic coach so obviously the assignment will be very tough. We are not looking at what position and situation that ZPC are; it’s none of our business. Our only concern is how best we can improve our players and how we can improve our team, only the things within our control,” said Chitembwe.

Chitembwe welcomed the break his team enjoyed last weekend, a time ZPC Kariba were in action in the Chibuku Super Cup where they were given a 4-1 hiding by Harare City.

“The break was indeed a blessing in disguise because we used it to re-energise the boys after the previous week’s effort. We also had some players who were carrying knocks and I’m happy that the period served its purpose because they are back in training and raring to go.”

Notoriously known for his heavy-handed approach with players, but yesterday he rubbished that assertion.

He received full backing in that regard from his players Steven Makatuka and youngster Romana Matova.

“He [Chitembwe] is a very nice guy. He is not a tough man, but when it comes to work on the field of play, he is demanding. Off the pitch, he the best joker. He is a club legend and he knows Caps better than us, so whenever he says something, it challenges us to do exactly what he has said and to work extra hard,” said Makatuka.