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Caps’ confidence dripping

Sport
Caps United coach Lloyd Chitembwe believes his side has enough quality to finally break the jinx and beat perennial rivals Dynamos in the latest edition of the big Harare derby when they clash in the Premier Soccer League at Rufaro Stadium on Sunday.

Caps United coach Lloyd Chitembwe believes his side has enough quality to finally break the jinx and beat perennial rivals Dynamos in the latest edition of the big Harare derby when they clash in the Premier Soccer League at Rufaro Stadium on Sunday.

BY HENRY MHARA

Dynamos striker Rodrick Mutuma controls the ball under the watchful eye of  Caps United defender Stephen Makatuka at Rufaro Stadium yesterday

At yesterday’s pre-match Press briefing, Chitembwe exuded lots of confidence and was in top form as seen in the relaxed manner he responded to questions and at times exhibiting hints of arrogance.

With his team appearing to be finally rolling back the years, playing with the swagger of champions last witnessed during the Charles Mhlauri era, no one could fault him.

Last week’s arrest of stars Archford Gutu and Method Mwanjali, which threatened the new-found stability at the club, was quickly forgotten as soon as they powered their way past Harare City at the weekend — a game which was largely seen as an appetiser to the main course on Sunday.

Asked if his composure mirrored the situation in his camp ahead of the match against their number one enemy, Chitembwe responded: “Absolutely, there is no reason for us to panic, especially when the boys are working as hard as they are doing. Everything is okay and the boys are training very hard to win, so we are quite comfortable.

“It’s not a secret we have quality all over and the players believe they are good enough to withstand whatever will be thrown at them. They know what it is like to play at the grand stage. They are ready and it’s not very difficult to push and motivate them. If they can remain as interested as they are at the moment and stay humble, I’m sure we will go as far as we want.”

Caps United last beat Dynamos in a league match in 2009, but there is a general feeling of invincibility in their camp, with Hardlife Zvirekwi declaring that this is their year.

“The guys are preparing well and everyone is confident,” Zvirekwi said. “We believe this time, we are going to do it. As a team, we are playing well, in good form. The cohesion and understanding is very high. The guys want to break the jinx. It’s high time we regained the pride of Caps United by winning this derby.”

Chitembwe said the big Harare derby had actually grown to be a bigger match on the football calendar.

“The derby hasn’t lost anything. If anything, I think it has gained so much. When we were playing, this match never used to draw as much attention as it is now. In as far as I’m concerned, this match has not lost its value. It is as big as it was before.”

The former midfielder revealed Mwanjali and Gutu are both in line for selection despite the problems they faced last week, where the former spent a week in remand prison, accused of stabbing a Harare man, Tendai Nhunzvi.

Gutu was charged with malicious damage to property after he allegedly smashed Nhunzvi’s car windscreen.

The two were released on bail and returned to training this week.