×
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 not panicking

Sport
Caps United coach, Lloyd Chitembwe is not pushing the panic button yet despite his team failing to win in their last two matches ahead of a potentially tough Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match against champions Chicken Inn at Luveve Stadium tomorrow.

Caps United coach, Lloyd Chitembwe is not pushing the panic button yet despite his team failing to win in their last two matches ahead of a potentially tough Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match against champions Chicken Inn at Luveve Stadium tomorrow.

BY TAWANDA TAFIRENYIKA

The Green Machine’s title ambitions will be in the spotlight once again when they travel to Bulawayo to face a rejuvenated Chicken Inn side now under the mentorship of Rahman Gumbo.

The season started with so much promise for Caps and while they are still sitting pretty in third place on the log they, they have picked up just one point in the last two matches, a development that has brought a bit of anxiety to the Green Machine, which could develop to discontent if they lose tomorrow.

The Harare giants have undergone a revolution since Lloyd Chitembwe took over at the tail end of last season, but this time the fans may not be content with being also-rans.

This term the team has demonstrated the capacity to challenge for the title, with four wins, two draws and one defeat, which has seen them claiming third place with 14 points.

They have the same points as second-placed Highlanders, but are five points adrift of log leaders FC Platinum.

Chitembwe has tough, resilient and strong characters that have helped Caps United to be up there with the chasing pack, but he faces his former boss Gumbo, who replaced Joey Antipas at Chicken Inn after the latter joined South African National First Division side AmaZulu.

Gumbo is a proven tactician, who has won several titles in Zimbabwe, Malawi and Botswana and he marked his return with a polished performance when he led his charges to a 3-1 victory over Mutare City Rovers on Sunday.

The former Warriors coach also had a spell at Caps United in 2003 and is credited for moulding the squad that eventually won back-to-back league titles in 2004 and 2005 under Charles Mhlauri.

Coincidentally, Chitembwe was his captain at the time. The Caps United gaffer said it will be interesting to meet with his former boss.

“I think it will be a very interesting meeting. We will also relive those memories when we were together,” he said.

Gumbo was full of praise for Chitembwe. “He was my captain when I was at Caps United. He is still there and I am really proud of him. This will only be my second game and I think it will be interesting to play Caps United,” he said.

With his team having suffered a defeat to How Mine and then drawing 2-2 against Sunday Chidzambwa’s ZPC Kariba, Chitembwe said the season was still in its infancy and there was no need to panic.

“Our approach remains the same. It’s only seven games and there is only a five-point difference with the team at the top. No team has been confirmed champions yet and to us we will continue as we have been doing, taking it game by game.”

The Caps United gaffer will be without key players Hardlife Zvirekwi and midfielder Tafadzwa Rusike due to injury.

In other midweek matches, Norman Mapeza’s FC Platinum travel to Luveve on Thursday hoping to maintain a good run with a victory over How Mine.

FC Platinum remain unbeaten in seven starts and their 3-0 demolition of Border Strikers on Saturday was a bold statement of intent.

But they face a wounded How Mine, who were beaten 2-0 by Hwange at the Colliery on Sunday. Kelvin Kaindu will be looking to pick himself up and mount a title challenge. Fixtures:

Tomorrow: Bulawayo City FC v Ngezi Platinum Stars FC (Barbourfields Stadium), ZPC Kariba FC v Hwange FC (Nyamhunga Stadium), Border Strikers FC vs Tsholotsho FC (Maglas Stadium), Chicken Inn FC v Caps United FC (Luveve Stadium), Triangle United FC v Mutare City Rovers FC (Gibbo Stadium) Thursday: How Mine FC v FC Platinum (Luveve Stadium) Friday: Harare City FC v Chapungu FC ( Rufaro Stadium 1500hrs SS) Saturday: Dynamos FC v Highlanders FC (National Sports Stadium 1500hrs SS)