THE green half of Harare is flourishing once again.
And this afternoon, Rufaro Stadium becomes the battleground where high-flying log leaders Caps United will look to protect their unblemished 100% record in a mouth-watering Castle Lager Premier Soccer League clash against ambitious newcomers, Hardrock FC.
Makepekepe arrive at the ceremonial home of Zimbabwean football as the only side in the topflight with a perfect record after three matches.
It has been a clinical start for the Green Machine, who opened their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Agama, followed by a gritty 1-0 win against Herentals.
Their most recent triumph came in the sweltering Lowveld on Wednesday, where a second-half strike from Chawanangwa Kaonga secured a vital 1-0 win over Triangle.
After three seasons of flirting with the relegation doldrums, the Harare giants are breathing the rarified air of the summit once more.
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The revival is spearheaded by coach Takesure Chiragwi, the man who led Ngezi Platinum Stars to glory in 2023.
Backed by a massive US$4,3 million sponsorship from Green Dollar Development Bank and the unwavering support of club president Farai Jere, Caps United finally looks like a well-oiled machine.
However, Chiragwi is refusing to let the early-season hype distract his troops.
Speaking after the midweek win in Triangle, the gaffer emphasised the need for a short memory and long-term focus.
“We need to remain focused. We’ve got an important game on Saturday, which is just two days from now, so we need to keep calm,” Chiragwi said.
“There’s always pressure in football, but what is important is to understand the objective... if we can get the points as early as we can, it is important to make sure we get better every week.
“There is no time to celebrate. This [Triangle] game is water under the bridge. We must recover and focus so we can maintain the pace we have now.”
On the pitch, the engine room has been dominated by Richard Hachiro and Tanaka Shandirwa, providing the platform for the likes of Ishmael Wadi, Obriel Chirinda and the in-form Kaonga to wreak havoc.
Despite the momentum, today’s visitors represent a potential banana skin fixture.
Kwekwe-based Hardrock FC are not your typical league debutants.
With a formidable financial backing of their own, they sit fourth on the log with seven points, just two behind the leaders.
They arrive in the capital on the back of two consecutive 1-0 wins over ZPC Kariba and Chicken Inn.
On paper, Hardrock’s path has been arguably tougher than Caps United’s, and they possess the quality to cause an upset.
Their roster is a blend of local brilliance and international experience, featuring midfield magician Munashe Bamara, Eswatini internationals Neliswa Dlamini and Sambulo Simelane, and reigning Soccer Star of the Year Washington Navaya.
At the back, they boast the championship pedigree of Tinotenda Muringai, fresh from a title-winning stint in Mozambique.
Hardrock coach Kelvin Kaindu is quietly confident that his side can spoil the party at Rufaro.
“We’re thrilled with how things are going; unbeaten in three matches is a great start,” Kaindu noted after the midweek win.
“Winning our first home game was an incredible feeling, and the team is working hard.
“We’re just getting better with each game because we are a new team. Now we focus on keeping that momentum going.”
For the Caps United faithful, this afternoon is about more than just three points; it is a chance to prove that the Green Machine is truly back to reclaim its throne.
If they can break the hard rock, the rest of the league will have no choice but to take their title credentials seriously.
Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Matchday Four fixtures
Today: Simba Bhora v Highlanders (Wadzanayi), Caps United v Hardrock (Rufaro), Chicken Inn v Ngezi Platinum Stars (Barbourfields), FC Platinum v TelOne (Mandava)
Tomorrow: MWOS v Bulawayo Chiefs (Ngoni), Scottland v Hunters (Rufaro), Zpc Kariba v Manica Diamonds (Nyamhunga), Agama v Dynamos (Wadzanayi)
Monday: Herentals v Triangle (Rufaro)