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NewsDay

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Tribulation after triumph

Sport
While Caps United are still revelling in the success of winning the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title, the consequences of that triumph could see several players moving to greener pastures.

While Caps United are still revelling in the success of winning the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title, the consequences of that triumph could see several players moving to greener pastures.

By sports reporter

From left to right: Abbas Amidu, Lloyd Chitembwe and Tafadzwa Rusike
From left to right: Abbas Amidu, Lloyd Chitembwe and Tafadzwa Rusike

Traditionally, the lure of the South African rand has been known to be the biggest factor to why local clubs have failed to hold onto their best players, when clubs from the neighbouring country come knocking.

While clubs like Caps United are still grappling with the South African top-flight and even its lower divisions, Tanzania has also come in to exacerbate the problem, offering its irresistible riches.

But for the Green Machine, the problem is not only confined to the two money-spinning leagues, as even local clubs with deeper pockets have haunted Caps United since the season closed.

While Caps United president, Farai Jere declared that his team was good and needed a few additions ahead of their Caf Champions League assault, the bigger problem lies with them retaining what they have.

Soccer Star of the Year, Hardlife Zvirekwi and striker Leonard Tsipa, who finished the season with the highest number of goals, have both been linked with moves to Tanzania.

Vice-captain and defensive stalwart, Steven Makatuka is reported to be in talks with South African second-tier league side AmaZulu.

Abbas Amidu has had an offer from Tanzania before and he may choose to pursue that, but the player, whose contracts runs out in two weeks’ time, could tag along with his brother Brett to FC Platinum. Defender, Dennis Dauda and winger, Phineas Bhamusi are both reported to be looking for greener pastures and sources have it that both have sounded out Ngezi Platinum.

Winger, Tafadzwa Rusike is giving no guarantees about his future at Caps United, as he listens to offers from other interested teams.

Caps United endured a difficult year in terms of finances and, on a number of occasions, players threatened to boycott matches, an experience that has turned the players’ heads.

Coach, Lloyd Chitembwe, who has faith in his squad, may see the group decimated in a short space of time.

The situation may replicate that of 2010, when Caps United lost six key players to South Africa and Chitembwe bore the brunt, as the team’s slump in form, which brought with it mistrust from a section of the fans who demanded his departure.

Method Mwanjali, Lionel Mtizwa and Nyasha Mushekwi were signed up by Mamelodi Sundowns, while the pair of Tafadzwa Rusike and Khama Billiat joined Ajax Cape Town. Oscar Machapa left to join Moroka Swallows.

Time is not on Caps United’s side, as they need to have a squad in place by December 31 for the Caf Champions League. But if the finances are not readily available, the task may prove a tough one as players may not be willing to commit.

They have been on the market in a bid to bolster and have been competing with FC Platinum and Dynamos for Brett.

They have found no joy so far, as the player prefers to stay at Dynamos and even if he was to move, FC Platinum have a bigger financial muscle.