Caps United gaffer Lloyd Chitembwe is not reading much into Chapungu’s struggles in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League where they are fighting the threat of relegation ahead of the two teams’ meeting in the quarter-finals of the Chibuku Super Cup tomorrow.
BY GARISH PHIRI
Rodwell Dhlakama’s Air Force of Zimbabwe side caused an upset after knocking FC Platinum out of the competition to earn a quarter-final place and Chitembwe is wary of the Gweru-based side.
Caps United defeated Chapungu 2-0 in their only meeting this season in a league match played at Ascot Stadium, but Chitembwe does not want to dwell on history and has prepared his charges for a tough fight.
He is, however, confident that the Green Machine will prevail in a competition they are investing a lot of energy in as they are seemingly out of the league title race.
Currently perched on the relegation cut-off spot, they have two points that separate them with Dynamos on top spot in the relegation zone, with 31 points.
“At this stage of the game, preparation is of essence and we are ready to go,” Chitembwe said yesterday.
“Their form or position in the league does not mean anything. The Chibuku Cup is a whole different thing. They are a Premier League team with a lot of ambition, so they need to be respected. They knocked out the title contenders (FC Platinum) and that shows you what they are capable of. But we have prepared well for this game, which is important to us.”
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Caps defender Valentine Musarurwa said they have a big appetite for success in this competition.
“We have been preparing well and we hope to proceed. We are so hungry and we want to win this cup because we have not won it before. Everyone is geared up and ready to go,” he said.
Caps United’s thirst for another flirtation with continental football will be a source of motivation as the Green Machine launch their bid to win the Chibuku Super Cup, which comes with a $75 000 cheque as well as a ticket to the Caf Confederation Cup
Their realistic route to Africa is the Chibuku Super Cup and they will be looking to put in everything to take the prize.
Last season, Caps United were booted out by Shabanie Mine and they are determined this time on.
Having struggled for goals in the second half of the season, Caps United have been trying a number of combinations upfront and they will be hoping to nail it this time around.
