CAPS United coach Lloyd Chitembwe faced headaches during last weekend's Premier Soccer League opener. His concerns continue heading into Match Day 2 but for totally different reasons.
The experienced coach didn't have his full team available when they arrived at GreenFuel Arena last Saturday. Makepekepe played a solid game that ended 1-1, though they should have won if Joseph Mbollo's goal hadn't been controversially waved off.
They missed leadership from team Captain Eric Manokore and his deputy Hastings Chapusha. New players, including highly-rated Juan Mutudza, perhaps the league's best ball carrier, and striker Nyasha Chintuli, sat out because their paperwork remained incomplete.
Chitembwe has everyone ready for battle when they face newcomers Scottland at Rufaro on Sunday. He'll struggle to pick his starting lineup with many quality players available for selection. The match carries huge stakes with a massive crowd expected.
"Right about today, we feel happy announcing our complete squad. Last match, we lacked Juan Mutudza, Nyasha Chintuli, Eric Manokore, and Hastings Chapusha. Everything looks great; we feel very pleased with our campaign start. I feel extremely happy how our guys responded against GreenFuel," Chitembwe said.
"With better luck, we might have secured victory; unfortunately, officials disallowed our goal." No games come easy this season, and Chitembwe knows Scottland presents tough opposition. The Mabvuku team features many stars, including Walter Musona, Khama Billiat, Lynoth Chikuhwa, Peter Muduhwa, Godknows Murwira, and Sadney Urikhob after spending over $150,000 buying players.
They started with a 1-0 win against Triangle at Rufaro last week, but fans turned against them as they appear among the most disliked teams around the capital. Makepekepe can use this advantage plus their playing skills against them.
"Our next opponents, Scottland, play excellent football; they employ experienced players. The challenge comes from inside the club rather than its name. Looking at their makeup, they field seasoned veterans, making us expect very difficult competition because they bring players who proved themselves previously," Chitembwe added.
"Success depends on our competitive spirit, and I believe strongly we have built a powerful squad capable of performing at this level." Manokore and Kundayi Benyu joined Chitembwe, sharing similar thoughts about the upcoming match against Scottland.
Manokore stated, "Our expectations remain unchanged. We plan to compete hard. Scottland fields talented players who match up well. Nevertheless, our performance must surpass theirs. We need those three points Sunday."
Matches include Yadah versus Chicken Inn today at The Heart Stadium. Tomorrow features Herentals against Dynamos at Rufaro, ZPC Kariba meeting Simba Bhora at Nyamhunga, TelOne facing Triangle at Ascot Stadium, Ngezi Platinum playing Greenfuel at Baobab, FC Platinum hosting Manica Diamonds at Mandava, plus Bikita Minerals against MWOS at Sakubva.
Sunday brings CAPS United versus Scottland at Rufaro and Highlanders against Kwekwe United at Barbourfields Stadium. Fans across Zimbabwe anticipate these exciting matchups between talented squads throughout the weekend's football action.
The experienced coach didn't have his full team available when they arrived at GreenFuel Arena last Saturday. Makepekepe played a solid game that ended 1-1, though they should have won if Joseph Mbollo's goal hadn't been controversially waved off.
They missed leadership from team Captain Eric Manokore and his deputy Hastings Chapusha. New players, including highly-rated Juan Mutudza, perhaps the league's best ball carrier, and striker Nyasha Chintuli, sat out because their paperwork remained incomplete.
Chitembwe has everyone ready for battle when they face newcomers Scottland at Rufaro on Sunday. He'll struggle to pick his starting lineup with many quality players available for selection. The match carries huge stakes with a massive crowd expected.
"Right about today, we feel happy announcing our complete squad. Last match, we lacked Juan Mutudza, Nyasha Chintuli, Eric Manokore, and Hastings Chapusha. Everything looks great; we feel very pleased with our campaign start. I feel extremely happy how our guys responded against GreenFuel," Chitembwe said.
"With better luck, we might have secured victory; unfortunately, officials disallowed our goal." No games come easy this season, and Chitembwe knows Scottland presents tough opposition. The Mabvuku team features many stars, including Walter Musona, Khama Billiat, Lynoth Chikuhwa, Peter Muduhwa, Godknows Murwira, and Sadney Urikhob after spending over $150,000 buying players.
They started with a 1-0 win against Triangle at Rufaro last week, but fans turned against them as they appear among the most disliked teams around the capital. Makepekepe can use this advantage plus their playing skills against them.
"Our next opponents, Scottland, play excellent football; they employ experienced players. The challenge comes from inside the club rather than its name. Looking at their makeup, they field seasoned veterans, making us expect very difficult competition because they bring players who proved themselves previously," Chitembwe added.
"Success depends on our competitive spirit, and I believe strongly we have built a powerful squad capable of performing at this level." Manokore and Kundayi Benyu joined Chitembwe, sharing similar thoughts about the upcoming match against Scottland.
Manokore stated, "Our expectations remain unchanged. We plan to compete hard. Scottland fields talented players who match up well. Nevertheless, our performance must surpass theirs. We need those three points Sunday."
Matches include Yadah versus Chicken Inn today at The Heart Stadium. Tomorrow features Herentals against Dynamos at Rufaro, ZPC Kariba meeting Simba Bhora at Nyamhunga, TelOne facing Triangle at Ascot Stadium, Ngezi Platinum playing Greenfuel at Baobab, FC Platinum hosting Manica Diamonds at Mandava, plus Bikita Minerals against MWOS at Sakubva.
Sunday brings CAPS United versus Scottland at Rufaro and Highlanders against Kwekwe United at Barbourfields Stadium. Fans across Zimbabwe anticipate these exciting matchups between talented squads throughout the weekend's football action.
