CAPS United coach Lloyd Chitembwe is happy with how his team is shaping up and expects some more improvements as the season progresses.
The new-look Green Machine side was held to a one-all draw at Green Fuel in their season opener last week, a match the coach believed they deserved to win.
Chitembwe’s men will face a stiffer test this weekend when they clash with this season’s league title favourites Scottland at Rufaro Stadium on Sunday.
Speaking at the club’s pre-match Press conference yesterday, Chitembwe said he was satisfied with how his squad started the season and was confident performances will only improve as more new players adapt to his philosophy.
“So far so good,” the Green Machine gaffer said.
“I am happy with how we started our season, extremely happy with the way the boys responded in Chisumbanje.
“With a little bit of luck, we could have won that game. Unfortunately, we had a goal disallowed, but all in all, it was quite satisfactory.”
Jayden Bakari scored a second half equaliser for the visitors after Perfect Chikwende had given Green Fuel a half-time lead.
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Asked to give his thoughts about his team’s next challenge against Scottland and how he prepares to approach the game against the newly-promoted side, Chitembwe responded: “I don’t think it’s a correct narrative (to say Scottland is a newbie).
“It’s very different from the way I see it. They have seasoned players, so it’s not really in the name of the football club, but what is within that football club.”
The well-resourced Mabvuku-based club made a complete overhaul to the squad that won them league promotion, bringing in all the best players that the local league could offer.
Among the phalanx of big name signings was Warriors posterboy Khama Billiat, reigning Soccer Star of the Year Walter Musona and his first runner-up Lynoth Chikuhwa, who is also the reigning golden boot winner.
Other big name players who joined are Godknows Murwira and Kingsley Mureremba, who could face their former club for the first time this weekend, Tymon Machope, Peter Muduhwa and former Warriors leftback Ronald Pfumbidzai.
Chitembwe acknowledged the firepower that Scottland possess, but he was confident in his team’s own abilities.
“When I look at the composition of the team, they have seasoned players,” Chitembwe noted.
“What we expect from them as a team is fierce competition because we are talking of players that have been there, and have done it, so it will be down to how we compete and I strongly believe we have a team that is capable of competing at this level.”
Caps United were also very busy in the players transfer market as they looked to plug the gaps created by those who left for greener pastures.
Not less than 10 new faces arrived, including former Warriors stars Tanaka Shandirwa, Kundai Benyu, Juan Jeansmith Mutudza, Nyasha Chintuli and a few foreigners.
While Benyu and Shandirwa made their Caps debut in Chisumbanje, Mutudza and Chintuli had to wait a little bit because their registration papers were not in order.
That has since been sorted out and the duo could be unleashed when their club takes on Scottland on Sunday.
“We are happy to announce that we will be having a full complement of the whole squad,” Chitembwe said.
“Last week, we did not have Jean, Nyasha Chintuli, Eric Manokore, Hastings Chapusha in the team and this time around they are available, so it’s really good news.”
He has been more impressed by Mutudza, an attacking midfield maestro who joined from former league champions FC Platinum.
“He is here for a reason and we did not doubt his quality. He is a very good player and we are excited to have him,” Chitembwe said.
“We know what he can give to the team and we can’t wait for him to start giving us what we know he is capable of.”
Matchday 2 fixtures
Today: Yadah v Chicken Inn (Heart)
Tomorrow: TelOne v Triangle United (Ascot), Ngezi Platinum Stars v GreenFuel (Baobab), Bikita Minerals v Mwos (Sakubva), FC Platinum v Manica Diamonds (Mandava), ZPC Kariba v Simba Bhora (Nyamhunga), Herentals College v Dynamos (Rufaro).
Sunday: Caps United v Scottland (Rufaro), Highlanders v Kwekwe United (Barbourfields)
