Old squad, no problem!
AFTER subduing the banter over CAPS United’s penchant for experienced players, Green Machine vice-captain Godknows Murwira yesterday said the Harare giants are focused more on fighting for honours in the 2024 Castle Lager Premiership season that begins tomorrow.
The Harare giants have a balanced squad of veterans and new blood after unveiling 11 new players during the off-season while also retaining 16 from the group that did duty last season.
Makepekepe in recent times has been referred to as an “old peoples’ home” because of the team’s age averages, which are dominated by players in the upper 20s and early 30s.
But, for Murwira, this should not be a factor.
“I can’t say much about that but what I can just promise them is that we will try and give them the best that we have,” said Murwira.
“After all this criticism, if you take it well, it will start giving you results. So, if we start winning they will not talk about what they were saying about the age, “chembere dzaLodza and stuff.” So we just need to focus and start on a positive and winning our games,” said Murwira.
Makepekepe will open their campaign with a home game against Chicken Inn but circumstances will force them to travel to Gweru to host the Gamecocks at Bata after it became clear yesterday that Rufaro will not be ready for re-opening in time for the start of the season.
They had pinned their hopes on the partial homologation of Rufaro as renovations continued. The team even trained at the venue yesterday morning and was satisfied with the pitch condition.
But a close inspection of the facility revealed that more work needed to be done especially in the changing rooms, toilets, and the surrounding areas that are still covered in rubble.
CAPS United players could also not use the changing rooms where the artisans were busy working on the walls, floors, and furnishings.
Despite the setback, CAPS United is ready for the big kick-off. They recently unveiled their squad anchored by tried and tested players such as two-time Soccer