HARARE -- CAPS United president Twine Phiri says they are banking on members of the COSAFA Senior Challenge Cup winning squad as they take their continental campaign to Swaziland for the second leg of the preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup next weekend. CAPS United one of Zimbabwe’s representatives in the African Safari provided the highest number of players in the Sunday Chidzambwa-coached Warriors squad that won the beat neighbours Zambia 3-1 to win the COSAFA cup last year. Utility player Method Mwanjali, captained that squad to COSAFA glory while defender Gilbert Mapemba, striker Nyasha Mushekwi midfielders Tafadzwa Rusike and Ashley Rambanepasi were also in that squad compared to city rivals Dynamos who provided only one- striker Cuthbert Malajila.
However, Rambanepasi who was captain of Makepekepe is no longer with the Green Machine after he crossed the floor to join DeMbare. But, Phiri still believes the experience of some the heroes of that COSAFA squad will come in handy when they travel to Swaziland next weekend.
“We have very experienced members in this squad. Remember we had more than four players who were in the COSAFA team that went on to win the tournament last year. We are banking on that experience. They know what it means to play at this level of the game and I am confident that we will go very far in this tournament this time. We have a very strong squad this year and we are fighting on two fronts the domestic and international front,” said Phiri.
United beat their Swazi rivals Mbabane Highlanders with a slender 1-0 in their CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round first leg encounter at Rufaro Stadium last Saturday. The Harare giants however, sweated to get the narrow victory as the visitors controlled much of the game only to go down on 88 minutes following a penalty converted by Mwanjali.
Last year’s Premiership top goal scorer Nyasha Mushekwi was fouled in the penalty box by former Dynamos goalkeeper Zondai Nyaungwa as he sped towards the goal after breaching the visitors defence.
And Mwanjali took the responsibility to take the penalty which he did justice to as he converted with easy sending former Nyaungwa now plying his trade in Swaziland the wrong way.
Despite the victory by CAPS United observers believe the Green Machine will have to roll up their sleeves as they will be playing away from home against Mbabane Highlanders next weekend if they are to go through to the next round of the tournament.
Post published in: Football