By Paul Vutete/Courage Nyaya CAPS United coach Lloyd Chitembwe remains confident that his side can compete for honours despite problems at the club which culminated in it losing key players.
The Green Machine was robbed of Carlos Mavhurume and Brendon Mpofu by Ngezi Platinum Stars and Dynamos, respectively, after financial problems at the club forced players to seek new pastures.
Only last week, players staged a training boycott pressing for the payment of outstanding salaries, but resumed training after receiving part payment.
Caps resume their bid for a league title when they clash with Black Rhinos in Mutare on Sunday.
They go into the match with two points to their name from the same number of games.
Chitembwe said while the team had encountered problems along the way, they had the right players who could rise and be counted.
“We know our preparations have not been that smooth because we have had so many stops during our preparations,” he admitted. “However, at the end of the day, each player fully understands his responsibilities and tasks on the pitch.”
The gaffer, who won the league title with Caps in 2016, believes there is potential in his squad, but acknowledges that there is a lot of work ahead.
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“I think all we have to do is work hard to realise our potential. We know the potential is there, so we are happy and we can make do with what we have and hopefully achieve wins.”
Caps replenished their squad with the inclusion of veterans Devon Chafa, Dennis Dauda, William Manondo and striker Rodwell Chinyengetere.
He declared his team ready to fight for honours in a campaign where few believe they can compete with the likes of Dynamos, FC Platinum and Ngezi Platinum Stars.
“Caps are an ambitious club whose bar is set high, therefore, we sign players based on profiles fitting the club’s requirements. As it is a big club, we also require big players like the recently-contracted players such as Chinyengetere, Chafa, Dauda and Manondo. In short, we are ready for the season.”
He acknowledged that they faced a tough match against Rhinos, but expected his new recruits to deliver on Sunday.
“As for the new players, we obviously signed them for the reason of adding value to the team and they are training so well that we obviously expect them to deliver on Sunday.”
Chitembwe returned to Caps with a game into the season after quitting Harare City. He will be seeking success at a club whose supporters are demanding.
For his sake, he will be praying that the problems that have dogged the club will be resolved so that the players can concentrate on the task at hand.
The club is running around to make sure that new players are paid their signing-on fees.
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