Farai Jere scoffs at boycott speculation
CAPS UNITED president Farai Jere says all is well at his club and has dismissed speculation his players have threatened to boycott tomorrow’s Harare Derby at Rufaro in protest over unpaid dues.
The Harare businessman said it was always ironic such speculation always comes whenever they are set to play a big match.
“I have been talking to the coach who has been with the players all week and he says there is nothing like that,” said Jere.
“In today’s world anyone can say anything and it goes and it’s taken as the truth and it’s very, very unfortunate. We have been preparing for this big game and it’s one that we badly want to win, no doubt about that, and we don’t want anything to disturb us.
“We owe our fans a good performance and victory over our biggest rivals because the supporters have been fantastic in the way they have been behind us and we know that nothing, whatsoever, beats that feeling of defeating Dynamos for them and we want to deliver that. We were unlucky in the first Derby but that happens in football and we have a lot of respect for our opponents and we know they also have a lot of respect for us, too.”
CAPS United return to the scene of their first league victory over DeMbare since 2009 when Dominic Chungwa bundled home the winner last year.
“Those memories of that overdue victory are still fresh in the mind, the celebrations, everything was just good and we want another win on Sunday.”
The Green Machine could spring a surprise by fielding Equatorial Guinea forward Fugo should his clearance arrive in time for the match. Makepekepe assistant coach Fungai “Tostao” Kwashi said everyone was raring to go.
The champions could be without big goalkeeper Edmore “Zikeeper” Sibanda who was struggling with illness yesterday.
Left back Valentine Musarurwa is also suspended for this match.
“Valentine is not there but whoever gets that shirt should come up and rise. Edmore hasn’t been feeling well so he is not available, he has a stomach bug.
“The doctors are working around the clock with him. But he is not available but whoever comes in should play a part, rise and shine.
“In football these things happen, the last Derby we didn’t have Chungwa (Dominic) and Makatuka (Stephen) but we can’t mourn about it, but we hope whoever get the chance will shine. We have to re-adjust,” said Kwashi.
Kwashi added that his troops were a highly motivated lot.
“It was a great training week. Everyone is upbeat, the morale is high in camp. Everyone was giving their best in every single training we had,” said Kwashi.
“Sunday’s game is going to be another tough battle. But we are looking forward to the game.
“We are staying positive and taking pride in that we are the champions. We are highly motivated. All Derbies are always explosive, so we are ready for the game. Dynamos are a well-organised team and we respect Lloyd Mutasa and Biggie Zuze.
“We just want to showcase our skills and show why we are one of the best clubs in Africa, ranked 24th.”
Fixtures Chibuku Super Cup Preliminary Round: Today: Hwange v Yadah (Mandava, 1pm); Tsholotsho v Bantu Rovers (Mandava, 3pm).
Castle Lager Premiership: Tomorrow: Dynamos v CAPS United (Rufaro, 3pm).