CAPS United beat Manica Diamonds to send warning to rivals

HARARE – CAPS United began their Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season on a high note with an impressive 2-0 win over Manica Diamonds on Sunday at the National Sports Stadium.

Makepekepe’s early goal by Joseph Thulani and Blessing Sarupinda’s strike just before halftime ensured they claimed maximum points.

The game saw the Green Machine play with both conviction and aplomb, giving their supporters hope and belief that they could win the league this season.

CAPS United currently top the log standings above FC Platinum, Dynamos, and Triangle, having scored twice and kept a clean sheet.

CAPS coach Lloyd Chitembwe deployed a 4-4-2 formation with Godknows Murwira and Innocent Zambezi occupying the wingbacks while Ben Musaka and Kelvin Madzongwe played at the heart of defence.

The former Ngezi Platinum man, Murwira, provided a firm cross that was fumbled by the veteran Manica Diamonds goalkeeper Jorum Muchambo, and Thulani squeezed home the rebound.

Makepekepe were comfortable on the ball with Devon Chafa and Zambezi particularly impressive as the Harare giants entertained the crowd.

Clive Rupiya and Joseph both came close to doubling the hosts’ advantage as Makepekepe threatened to run riot.

It was Sarupinda, though, who sliced home after receiving a perfectly lofted pass from Madzongwe at the stroke of half-time.

In the second half, CAPS United seemed content to keep the scoreline at 2-0, and Manica Diamonds tried to come back into the game, dominating proceedings.

However, the visitors failed to penetrate the resolute CAPS United defence, who absorbed every threat thrown at them.

Chitembwe expressed his satisfaction with his team’s performance, stating that the hunger and desire to win were evident.

His counterpart, Jairos Tapera, acknowledged that the early goal scored by Thulani unsettled his players and disrupted their game plan.

CAPS United’s next game will be against Ngezi Platinum Stars, while Manica Diamonds will host Triangle United.

The win will undoubtedly give CAPS United a confidence boost going into the next fixtures, and the Green Machine will be hoping to continue their winning ways in the coming games.