Published by the government of Zimbabwe
Augustine Hwata
26 August 2008
Harare — A refreshing breeze is now blowing in the CAPS United camp after the former Premiership champions edged bitter city rivals Dynamos to reach the final of the inaugural ABC Sup8r Showdown.
The way the CAPS United fans celebrated the win at Rufaro on Sunday, told the story of a side that had been desperately looking for such redemption.
CAPS United have not been getting good results in the league where they are out of reckoning for the championship and are perched in the relegation zone.
But a 6-2 win over Masvingo United during the quarterfinal stage of the ABC Sup8r at Mucheke set CAPS United up for crunch tie against league champions Dynamos.
With Highlanders, having crashed out of the tournament after losing to 1-0 Lengthens, the meeting between CAPS United and Dynamos was aptly dubbed "the final before the final".
It was the ultimate test for CAPS United who went into the game as underdogs but passed with bright colours.
Indeed CAPS United raised their game against their old enemies with coach Jostein Mathuthu out-witting David Mandigora in terms of technical awareness.
CAPS United finished with 10-men after midfielder Ashly Rambanapasi was expelled in the 28th minute for an off-the-ball incident with Dynamos striker Edward Sadomba.
Sadomba missed a penalty right in the fourth minute, now moment of curse for Dynamos in successive matches, when CAPS United goalkeeper Edmore Sibanda blocked the effort for a corner kick.
Malawian midfielder Raaquib Milanzi slotted the all important goal in the 16th minute while Sibanda pulled a couple of saves to keep Dynamos at bay.
"My teammates gave me the confidence to face Sadomba. They told me that I was going to make a save and I did that. I also think that I am good at saving penalties," said Sibanda.
But the real hero of the day for CAPS United was Dynamos reject Tendai Gwata who forced the DeMbare defence to keep a close eye on him.
The way CAPS United supporters mobbed their team bus was as if they had won the final. Even the club's directors Twine Phiri and Farai Jere stormed the pitch after the final whistle to show they were a relived pair.
The Green Machine needed something to cheer their spirits and Mathuthu admits that a win over Dynamos eased pressure on the team.
"I am not a prophet but we hope the win sets the tone for the next games in the league. We would really like to continue winning and pray for good results.
"For now we are happy to beat Dynamos and this builds up our confidence but still we have to work hard," he said.
Mathuthu said he has been trying out Oscar Machapa as a linkman and believes the player is adjusting well.
"Oscar used to play as a right-back but we have been playing him in midfield.
"He has the pace but I am working on perfecting his final delivery.
"Once he improves on that, I believe he will almost be a compete player," he said.
CAPS United are now bracing for a tricky final against giant killers Lengthens who are making their first appearance in cup final.
It will also be the first time that Lengthens coach Collin Mahara will be guiding a side in a cup final.
Mahara's side surprised Highlanders before knocking out Chapungu 2-0 at Rimuka. Interestingly, Mahara was coach at Chapungu last season.
"I am happy that I have reached my first cup final as coach of a club. More so I am also happy that Lengthens have reached their first cup final.
"Just being in the final for us is a good achievement and anything that comes after is a bonus for us.
"The game against Highlanders was the turning point for us," said Mahara.
ABC Sup8r Showdown co-ordinator Desmund Ali yesterday said the final will be at Rufaro on September 27.
"We are currently working with September 27 as the date with the venue being Rufaro," said Ali.
And with there being a month before the final, Mahara said they will focus on their league games.
Mahara also spoke on his predatory striker Tendai "DJ Malaika" Nyamadzawo.
"Malaika had done well so far and he should continue working hard to be sharper. We try to play as a team and that's why (Richard) Mteki combines well with Tendai.
"In fact all the players contribute well but as a coach one is never satisfied and I want more good results," he said.
Nyamadzawo scored a brace against Chapungu and is the joint leading scorer with the CAPS United duo of Beaven Chikaka and Milanzi in the tournament.
The three players will still fight to the Golden Boot in the final on September 27.
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