Can CAPS Utd bounce back?
MAYBE it’s time people start using the “Cup Kings” tag on CAPS United with caution, because gone are the days when Makepekepe used to be the dominant force in local football knockout competitions. While they were an unstoppable force in cup competitions of the 1980s and 1990s, CAPS United have become a pale shadow of their former self.
For the second season in a row, they are also struggling in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League. They are just two points above the relegation zone with 10 games left in the championship marathon.
Just like last season, the Green Machine is having to battle against relegation instead of having a huge say on the destiny of the league title. They are currently going through tough times, having failed to win a single match in their last nine league fixtures.
Not that they have not been in a worse crisis before, but it is the regularity with which their struggles have been visiting the club that has unnerved their supporters.
CAPS United’s poor form has also taken some gloss off their high-profile Chibuku Super Cup quarter-final clash against Highlanders at Barbourfields Stadium this afternoon. This would ordinarily be a battle to savour even for neutrals.
But Makepekepe limp into Bulawayo hoping to salvage what has been left of a forgettable season so far.
It’s the first meeting between the two giants in this competition.
While Bosso have won the Chibuku Super Cup before, when they edged Ngezi Platinum Stars 1-0 in 2019, Makepekepe have never progressed beyond the semi-final stage.
They reached the last four in 2018 before they were knocked out by Harare City.
Last season, CAPS United were booted out by Black Rhinos at the first hurdle.
Such is the crisis at Makepekepe that club owner Farai Jere had to issue a statement late on Friday explaining the situation at the fading giants.
Jere is confident CAPS United will bounce back from its slumber.
“It is also very important to note that every team goes through a lean spell at any given moment in a season and it is not unique to CAPS United,” Jere said.
“It happens even in the big European leagues to clubs like Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool, AC Milan, Juventus, Barcelona; and, south of the Limpopo, big teams like Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates have endured their lean moments.
“What defines those teams, and CAPS United included, is the character and the capacity to bounce back, which we believe we have, and with the continued backing of everyone in the CAPS United family, this team will rise again, and the starting point could be against Highlanders on Sunday (today).”
CAPS United’s assistant coach Fungai
Kwashi shares the same belief with his boss. He is actually dreaming of another dance with African football, as he was also in the same role when CAPS United participated in the 2017 Champions League.
Winners of the Chibuku Super Cup will qualify for the CAF Confederation Cup.
“Our target is going back into the continent and this is the route. The other one being the league competition,” said Kwashi.
“So, we are serious and we are challenging ourselves to go a step further than we have done before in the Chibuku Super Cup.
“It’s one cup we need in our trophy cabinet.”
The Harare side will, however, be without veteran striker William Manondo, who usually excels in the competition.
Popularly known as “Mr Chibuku” because of his goal-scoring exploits in the tournament, Manondo is away in Botswana on national duty with the Warriors.
Highlanders are also missing influential defender Peter Muduhwa, who was part of the national team squad that played against the Zebras yesterday.
Bosso will also be without expatriate coach Baltemar Brito, who is now in charge of the Warriors.
In the Brazilian’s absence, club legend Madinda Ndlovu took charge of training and is expected to head the technical team in today’s encounter.
Ndlovu has opted not to read much into the reported CAPS United crisis.