Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
HARARE - A winners purse of $12 000 has been set for today’s Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) Charity Shield final that will see two teams of contrasting fortunes face off at Mandava Stadium.
CAPS United coach Taurai Mangwiro believes victory today will have be well deserved silverware in a season that has promised so much at Makepekepe while his opposite number Norman Mapeza says a win will mark a good start for him at Platinum.
The United gaffer remains hopeful despite reoccurring monetary issues that are threatening to throw spanners into Makepekepe’s work.
Mangwiro has had to shepherd an unhappy flock over outstanding salaries and allowances.
He has, however, maintained a brave face insisting yesterday their ambitions of lifting today’s ZNA Charity Shield were not driven by money but the spirit to compete.
“We obviously want to do well,” Mangwiro said yesterday.
“It’s not about the money. It’s about competing and we want to restore our own pride remember, CAPS United were once Cup Kings.”
United have lost ground in the Castle Premiership title race after being held to a one all draw by Bantu Rovers at Hartsfield in Bulawayo on Thursday.
Hours earlier, their trip to Bulawayo had hung in the balance after players initially refused to board the team bus demanding payment of outstanding salaries and bonuses.
United left the capital later in the evening, only arriving in the City of Kings the morning of the match but could count themselves fortune to draw nil all.
“It’s a different competition all together but it was not like we played dismally in our last encounter considering the circumstances,” Mangwiro said.
“We have always told players to take each game seriously, we want to do well in each of the games.”
Platinum coach Mapeza said they were taking the ZNA Charity Shield with the same respect they would approach any other game.
The former Warriors coach also hinted at giving some of his fringe players a chance.
“There are some other guys who haven’t been playing due to injury and other reasons so we will be looking to give them a chance,” he said.
“The games are coming thick and fast and we just believe we just have to keep working hard.
“We had a game on Wednesday, the players rested yesterday (Thursday). We trained today and we are ready for the game tomorrow.”
Winners will be given $12 000 and the runners-up $6 000.
