LOG leaders, Caps United can move a step closer to winning the Castle Lager Premiership title with victory over Harare City at Rufaro Stadium this afternoon, and defender, Hardlife Zvirekwi has admitted they are desperate to stay top, as any slip-up could see them dropping and with it, their chances of finally landing the big trophy could also disappear.
BY HENRY MHARA
With the top three separated by just two points with three matches to go, Zvirekwi, whose side are on 54 points, knows there is no margin for error in the title race.
“We are almost there and we need to remain focused. The guys understand the importance of winning this match,” he said.
The Harare giants welcome back striker Leonard Tsipa and winger, Phineas Bhamusi, who missed the team’s game against Dynamos a fortnight ago due to suspension.
“We came from behind to get a draw against Dynamos, and while it was a good result under the circumstances, we can’t afford any slip-ups. We need to collect maximum points in the remaining matches to be sure,” Zvirekwi said.
After the Harare City match, United host Ngezi Platinum and will conclude their campaign with a trip to Chapungu.
“We have prepared well for the match and people might talk about pressure of being at the top, but we are beginning to get used to it. There is always pressure but the most important think is how we handle it. I think we are doing well in that aspect.”
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Reports suggested there was a training ground bust-up between coach, Lloyd Chitembwe and defender, Dennis Dauda. Club manager, Shakespeare Chinogwinya, while admitting there was an incident between the two, said it was a slight misunderstanding, which was amicably resolved.
United will be without defender Justice Jangano, who picked a groin injury at training this week.
Harare City may have seen hopes of at least a top-four finish fade after their defeat away to Hwange and it appears their coach, Moses Chunga has started preparing for next season.
Any hopes of winning some silverware were extinguished at the weekend when they were beaten 3-0 by FC Platinum to crash out of the Chibuku Super Cup.
With very little to play for this season, Chunga has threatened to unleash a youth brigade on United, and Zvirekwi is worried.
“These young guys have a point to prove. They are quick, energetic and fired-up. We would have to be very alert to get a victory.”
Second-placed Highlanders, with 53 points, are at home to Tsholotsho at Barbourfields Stadium in a match they are expected to win, while FC Platinum (52 points), on third, are away to Chapungu at Ascot Stadium in a match that can go either way.
Castle Lager Premiership fixtures
Today: Harare City v Caps United (Rufaro), Highlanders v Tsholotsho (Barbourfields), Chapungu v FC Platinum (Ascot), Ngezi Platinum v Hwange (Baobab)
Tomorrow: Dynamos v Mutare City (Rufaro), Border Strikers v Triangle (Dulivhadzimu), How Mine v Chicken Inn (Luveve), Bulawayo City v ZPC Kariba (Barbourfields)
