HARARE - Zimbabwe international Hardlife Zvirekwi is set to return to the fold when CAPS United plunge into a tricky test against Shabanie Mine at the National Sports Stadium in a Castle Premiership tietoday.
Zvirekwi missed Makepekepe’s 3-0 away defeat to Chapungu last weekend in protest over unpaid salaries and bonuses.
Morale had been at its lowest ebb in the Green Machine’s dressing room over non-payment of salaries for the month of May and winning bonuses, which has threatened their title quest.
The players, however, received their outstanding dues last week and coach Taurai Mangwiro insisted they have no excuses ahead of their match against asbestos miners.
“Just like any other institution we had our own share of challenges but the most important thing is how we handle it,” Mangwiro told the Daily News on Sunday.
“People should understand that it’s not CAPS United alone. This is happening everywhere. Most teams are struggling but they handle their affairs internally.
“This is the time when we need the support of the supporters. At times like these fans should attend our matches in numbers and rally behind the team.
“We are okay. We had our own share of challenges and there are no excuses against Shabanie Mine. We are geared for the match. We lost in our last match and are desperately in need of those three points.”
The Green Machine have been impressive at home but have failed woefully to replicate that form away from the National Sports Stadium.
United have lost all four matches that they have played outside the capital.
“Everyone is ready for selection. We want to keep the fine home form intact. We have been bad on the road. Shabanie Mine picked six points from us last season and we need to be focused,” said Mangwiro.
The Chinda Boys have had their own financial challenges and players have been at loggerheads with the management over unpaid salaries and poor working conditions.
“We are not looking into their problems. We only need to concentrate on our game,” added Mangwiro.
Makepekepe sit on eighth place on the log standings with 14 points from 10 starts while the asbestos miners are one point better than the Harare side on the table, lying in sixth place.