Caps United have signaled their ruthless intent in the domestic title race, throwing veteran goalkeeper Washington Arubi straight into the starting XI for this afternoon’s blockbuster clash against Hardrock at Chahwanda Stadium.
Arubi, who completed his high-profile move earlier this week, replaces the blundering Wallace Magalane. Magalane is set to be axed by the club management following a series of costly mistakes that have threatened to derail United’s championship ambitions. For the 40-year-old Arubi, this a highly anticipated return to the domestic top flight, twelve years after he departed rivals Dynamos for South Africa, where he enjoyed a highly successful career spanning more than a dozen years.
The veteran shot-stopper is not the only new face trusted with the demands of an immediate debut. Caps United coach Takesure Chiragwi has reshuffled his pack significantly, introducing fellow mid-season acquisition Precious Phiri, signed from FC Platinum, into the starting line-up alongside the returning Kope Mugalu.
By contrast, Hardrock coach Kelvin Kaindu has opted for a more conservative approach regarding his own stellar reinforcements. Prince Dube, arguably the biggest coup of the current transfer window after signing with the hosts on Wednesday, has been named among the substitutes. The Warriors striker is joined on the bench by Hardrock’s other marquee arrival, Gerald Takwara, as Kaindu chose to reward the consistency of the squad that has kept them firmly in the title hunt in recent weeks.
The stakes could scarcely be higher at a packed Chahwanda Stadium. Hardrock sit second in the log standings, trailing leaders Scottland, while Caps United occupy fourth place. In a race defined by razor-thin margins, neither side can afford to lose ground this afternoon.
HARDROCK FC XI:Tonderai Mateyaunga, Lennox Mucheto, Tinotenda Muringai, Marshall Gavaza, Misheck Ngwenya, Munashe Bamara, Washington Navaya, Donald Mudadi, Samuel Makawa, Sambulo Simelane, Neliswa Dlamini.
CAPS UNITED XI: Washington Arubi, Brian Kadamanja, Talent Chamboko, Dominic Njaliwa, Kudzai Chigwida, Tanaka Shandirwa, Richard C. Hachiro (C), Chitoshi Chinga Chawanangwa Kaonga , Precious Phiri, Kope M. Mugalu
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