CAPS march on, DeMbare stutter

By Langton Nyakwenda

CAPS UNITED coach Lloyd Chitembwe has defended his decision to recall former goalkeeper Edmore “Zi Keeper” Sibanda from Division One football, and believes the 29-year-old will be key to Makepekepe’s quest for the league title.

The former Warriors and Chapungu keeper is one of the latest arrivals at Caps, who are under pressure to reclaim a championship they last won in 2005.

Gifted left-back Ronald Pfumbidzai, 2014 Soccer Star of the Year Dennis Dauda, and former Triangle midfielder Cabby Kamhapa are the other confirmed arrivals.

However, it is the return of Sibanda who spent two-and-a-half years out of action – between October 2012 and March 2015 – serving a Zifa ban for his alleged involvement in the Asiagate match-fixing saga that has generated much debate among Makepekepe fans.

Sibanda joins Caps United from Northern Region Division One side Gunners, where he had been playing since March 2015.“Football is all about trust and I trust Edmore. The fact that we signed him is justification enough that we believe he can bring something to this club. Sibanda was once part of this family and he knows our culture.

“He still has a lot to offer, his age is still very good for a goalkeeper and his experience will be key in our quest to return to glory days,” said Chitembwe.

The Caps United gaffer said the club had regained its pulling power and was confident Makepekepe would hold onto to key players as the pre-season transfer market shifts a gear up.

Joel “Josta” Ngodzo is a reported target for Sunday Chidzambwa’s ZPC Kariba, who have been one of the most active players on the transfer market, but the Warriors midfielder looks set to stay at Caps United.

Across town, business has been slow at former champions Dynamos.

DeMbare are yet to react to the loss of the talismanic Ronald “Rooney” Chitiyo, who has joined Caf Confederations Cup participants Harare City. Former Triangle holding midfielder Tichaona Chipunza remains their only notable signing.

Club secretary Webster Chikengezha dismissed reports linking Archford “Uche” Gutu with a return to the Glamour Boys.

“So far it is only Chipunza who has joined us. We have also managed to tie down goalkeeper Tatenda Mukuruva and defender Sydney Linyama,” said Chikengezha.

DeMbare are battling to retain 2015 Soccer Star of the Year second runner-up Ocean Mushure and the versatile Godknows Murwira, who are both pressing for moves out.

The same cannot be said for Chidzambwa’s ZPC Kariba, who have been one of the busiest sides so far. Following a forgettable 2015 season in which they flirted with relegation just a year after they almost won the league on their debut top-flight outing, Kauya Katuruturu have been shaking things up.

Their biggest capture so far is Young Warriors skipper and former FC Platinum attacking linkman Wisdom Mutasa, who joined the former Harare City duo of striker Osborne Mukuradare and winger Talent Chawapiwa in the resort town of Kariba.

Veteran striker Obadiah Tarumbwa reportedly snubbed league champions Chicken Inn to join the great trek up north as Chidzambwa embarks on the engine overhaul he promised soon after his charges finished a disappointing 10th last season.

The Electricians are scheduled to begin their pre-season on January 18 amid indications from inside sources that the team might camp at Zesa Munyati near Kwekwe.

Meanwhile, Triangle’s disintegration continues at an alarming rate with reports that former Warriors winger Pascal Manhanga, Young Warriors defender Praise Tonha and striker Tawanda Muyendi have handed in transfer requests.

The departure of coach Kevin Kaindu for How Mine has triggered a massive exodus of players at Triangle, who finished a respectable fourth last season.

2015 Soccer Star of the Year finalist Hillary Bakacheza joined FC Platinum, central defender Jimmy Tigere is now a Harare City man, while Kamhapa and Chipunza are now at Caps United and Dynamos respectively.

The Sugar Sugar Boys begin their pre-season tomorrow under the supervision of assistant coach Biggie Zuze.

Reports from Gweru confirm that Chapungu, who began their pre-season last Monday, have failed in their bid to lure roving right-back Gift Phiri and Wirimai Mukudo from relegated Flame Lily.

The Airmen recalled Brighton Mugoni and Johnson Mabhugu from lower division side Blue Jets and coach John Nyikadzino expects to recruit more players from the club’s developmental system.

“We have quite a number of players in our developmental system so we will not be involved much on the transfer market. Hopefully by end of January we will have a full compliment,” said Nyikadzino. The Sunday Mail