HARARE - Optimism abounds in the CAPS United camp ahead of Sunday’s head-on collision with city rivals Dynamos in the Harare derby at the National Sports Stadium.
This was evident in the way the Green Machine players laughed and joked during their training session at Larfarge in Mabvuku yesterday.
Even the fact that regular starters, full back Ronald Pfumbidzayi and striker Leonard Fiyado, sat out training due to injuries did not dampen the spirit of the Makepekepe players at yesterday’s training session.
Makepekepe go into Sunday’s match high on confidence after a good run that has seen Taurai Mangwiro’s team win all their last four matches.
The United players are now moving with a spring in their step courtesy of those four wins on the trot and making it five in a row will be even sweeter as it will come at the expense of arch rivals DeMbare.
A win on Sunday will also solidify Makepekepe claim of being genuine title contenders for the 2014 champions as both teams are joint on 26 points, only one behind log leaders Highlanders.
“All derby matches are important. This one has been made interesting in that we are tied on points with Dynamos and one point away from the leading team Highlanders,” CAPS skipper Tapiwa Kumbuyani told the Daily News yesterday.
“That’s how it is important to us to pick up the maximum points. There is a lot at stake. We are eager to end the jinx against Dynamos at the same time fancying our own chances for the title.
“In the last four games, the boys have been playing well, and we hope they will keep the momentum.
“The boys are good shape and we hope they will take it to the derby and get a good result.”
Kumbuyani believes CAPS newfound winning mentality will give them an edge against a DeMbare side that has been not playing well, only grinding results to remain in the title race.
CAPS’s now have the collective belief they can end Dynamos dominance in this fixture and collect their first Harare derby win since 2009 on Sunday.
“We have been losing to Dynamos in the previous matches but this is a new challenge. This is a new team and they are ready to fight. I am positive that we should be able to turn the tables,” he said.
“We have been enjoying a good run lately and it’s a morale boost for us. It gives us an edge over our opponents because the players are now used to winning matches. They have developed a winning mentality which is a plus for the team.”
Apart from guaranteeing the winner three priceless points, a victory will also give the victors bragging rights that will reverberate in the capital.
The Green Machine also received a major boost with Malawian sensation Gerald Phiri, who was away for trials in South Africa, returning to join his teammates at yesterday’s training session.
Highly-rated midfielder Kelvin Bulaji was also part of the squad at Larfarge where they went through their paces under assistant coach Mike Madzivanyika, who is standing in the absence of Mangwiro.
The Makepekepe coach is currently attending the Caf A Licence coaching course at the Zifa Village in Mt Hampden.