HARARE – Veteran striker Rodwell Chinyengetere emerged as the hero for former champions CAPS United, securing a vital 1-0 victory over Sheasham in a Castle Lager Premier League match at the National Sports Stadium.
This hard-fought win has lifted CAPS United three points clear of the relegation zone.
Chinyengetere’s solitary goal came in the 17th minute when he expertly headed home a well-delivered cross from the left, leaving Sheasham’s keeper Elton Sibanda with no chance.
This victory marks CAPS United’s second consecutive win, following another impressive performance against Hwange last week.
These consecutive triumphs have seen them rise to the 10th position on the league standings with a total of 33 points.
Makepekepe coach Lloyd Chitembwe expressed his relief after the game, emphasizing the significance of this win in terms of easing their relegation concerns.
With two more victories, the Green Machine should secure their place in the Premier Soccer League.
“It was a good game of football, and a game of two halves,” said Chitembwe.
“We really dominated in the first half and created some very good chances.
“We really planned for it; some of the stuff that was coming out in the first half were typical training stuff, and I’m extremely happy with the way we managed the game.
“In the second half, it was a bit different, and it was down to nervousness because we have never been in this situation so many times this season where we are leading and needed to hold on to that lead.
“But I’m happy with the way we managed to control those nervous moments. We desperately needed this result, and I’m happy for the boys.”
Sheasham’s defeat marked the end of an impressive unbeaten run that lasted three matches, including two victories.
Sheasham coach Lizwe Sweswe expressed his disappointment, as the Gweru-based side currently sits in 14th place with 30 points, just one spot above the relegation cut-off.
“It was a tough game, we didn’t score, they scored, it’s part of the game,” Sweswe said.
“We go back and rectify our mistakes. In the second half, we were good and it was just that we were unlucky.
“We should have equalized or even won this game. What is important is to make sure that we keep this team in the premier league. I have confidence that we will remain in the league because the team is good and we are playing very well.”
The first half of the game was marked by a frenetic pace, reflecting both teams’ need for a favorable result.
It was Sheasham who came closest to scoring just two minutes into the match when Liberty Masveure missed a golden opportunity, firing his shot straight at CAPS United’s goalkeeper Reyners following a well-delivered square pass from Hillary Bakacheza.
However, the missed chance came back to haunt them, as Chinyengetere demonstrated his class, making no mistake with a glancing header that nestled into the back of the net.
CAPS United had an opportunity to double their lead at the start of the second half when William Manondo narrowly missed a Josiah Daka delivery.
Substitute Kuda Musharu had a clear chance to equalize for Sheasham, but his effort was denied by a CAPS United defender on the goal line, leaving the visiting team searching for an equalizer.
With just eight minutes left on the clock, Devon Chafa had an opportunity to seal the victory for CAPS United when Chinyengetere set him up, but Chafa inexplicably fired the ball over the crossbar with the goal at his mercy.
CAPS United will now shift their focus to another crucial match on Wednesday when they travel to Baobab Stadium to face Tonderai Ndiraya’s Simba Bhora.
Meanwhile, Sheasham will host fellow relegation strugglers Triangle at Bata Stadium on the same day.
