CAPS KEEP DREAM ALIVE

Eddie Chikamhi

Zimpapers Sports Hub

CAPS Utd……………………………………………. (1) 2

Manica Diamonds……………………………………. 0

WHEN Farai Jere hired Takesure Chiragwi he said he wanted the coach to help CAPS United win silverware once again.

He spoke about the years when the Harare giants were celebrated as the Cup Kings.

The silverware might not come in the form of the league championship, this season, after their spectacular collapse after a promising start to the campaign.

But, there is a likelihood that it could come in the form of a Cup – either the Munhumutapa Challenge tournament or the Chibuku Super Cup.

Yesterday, they kept themselves in contention of the richest knockout tournament in the country after beating a resilient Manica Diamonds at Rufaro.

Hardrock are also still in contention after scoring five goals in thrashing Jordan Sinoti while Blanket United remained the only lower division side still in the competition by knocking out Triangle on penalties.

The Green Machine got the job done through goals from Davison Marowa and second-half substitute Junior Bunjira.

Chiragwi praised his players for grinding out the result despite a growing injury crisis within the squad.

“Firstly, I want to thank God for making us win today. And, also, I want to appreciate the players, the president, the management and the supporters.

“They are always supporting us and that’s the reason why the results come, it’s because we support one another.

“And, coming to the game, I think we did very well. The game plan was to make sure that we keep ourselves in as much as we can.

“I think that’s exactly how we get the first goal.”

They went into the match with several key players sidelined by injury, forcing Chiragwi to make adjustments to his line-up.

They threatened early when Marowa raced onto a sweeping move after eight minutes, but his low effort was comfortably gathered by goalkeeper Geoffrey Chitsumba.

The breakthrough eventually arrived in the 24th minute when Marowa capitalised on poor defending and slotted home from close range.

Manica Diamonds emerged stronger after the break and nearly found an equaliser moments into the second half.

Nigel Mpinduki unleashed a dipping effort that was brilliantly tipped over the bar by goalkeeper Victor James.

Chiragwi introduced Bunjira, Uchizi Vunga and Obriel Chirinda, in a move that transformed the contest.

The impact was immediate as Bunjira doubled CAPS United’s lead with virtually his first touch, finishing off a sweeping move that started on the left flank.

“I was very happy with Junior Bunjira and the way he executed his chance,” said Chiragwi.

“He timed his run well and utilised the half-spaces effectively to create a scoring opportunity.

“It was very important for him.

“The other substitutes also did very well. They helped us consolidate the win and gave us the energy we needed to finish the game strongly.”

Manica Diamonds coach, Herbert Maruwa, was left disappointed by the result.

“It is always tough to be knocked out of a Cup competition,” said Maruwa.

“We prepared very well for this game and I thought the players did well, especially in terms of ball rotation.

“Maybe the difference was that we conceded soft goals. In the second half, after making some substitutions, I felt we were the better side.”

Teams:

**CAPS Utd: **

Victor James, Talent Chamboko (Brett Amidu, 46th min), Nyasha Gurende, Bruce Kangwa, Lloyd Njaliwa, Alleny Mukombedzi (Obriel Chirinda, 69th min), Junior Kunashe Chando (Precious Phiri, 46th min), Davison Marowa (Junior Bunjira, 69th min), Takunda Benhura, Richard Hachiro, Ishmael Wadi (Uchizi Vunga, 69th min)

**Manica Diamonds: **

Geoffrey Chitsumba, Lawrence Masibera, Carlos Mavhurume, Ask Rupande, Phillip Kaseke, Russel Kahiki (Marlon Maziriri, 53rd min), Nigel Mpinduki, Darryl Zulu (Liberty Muzunzu, 53rd min), Charles Teguru (Fitzgerald Banda, 76th min), Tanaka Chikumba (Polyester Shoko, 60th min), Anelka Chivandire (Divine Zulu, 53rd min)