CAPS made to wait

By Godknows Matarutse

With only two games to go before the Castle Lager Premiership ends, CAPS United’s pursuit of a fifth title has been delayed again after the Premier Soccer League (PSL) postponed this weekend’s matches.

PSL called off the matches to pave way for the Warriors’ friendly international against Tanzania at the National Sports Stadium on Sunday.
This means it will be two weeks without any top flight action after the league also rescheduled all matches last weekend to pave way for last Saturday’s Chibuku Super Cup final between Ngezi Platinum Stars and FC Platinum at Baobab Stadium.

“This serves to advise that there will be no Premier Soccer League matches on the weekend of November 12-13 2016,” PSL spokesperson Kudzai Bare said in a statement yesterday.

“This is to pave way for the international friendly match between Zimbabwe and Tanzania. The remaining matches will be played on the weekend of November 19-20 and the weekend of November 26 -27.”

The two-week break can be both a blessing or a curse for log leaders CAPS United, who are involved in a three-way tussle for the title together with FC Platinum and Highlanders.

The Green Machine are on 57 points while the platinum miners are on 54 and Bosso are in third place with 53 points.

Lloyd Chitembwe’s charges need to win their remaining two matches against Ngezi Platinum and Chapungu to win the championship they last landed in 2005.

Makepekepe are currently unbeaten in eight league games as they gained momentum in the second half of the season to dislodge FC Platinum.

However, the Green Machine’s impetus could be hampered by this lay off when the league action finally resumes.

As for FC Platinum, they now have a tough task to regain top post from United as they face Highlanders in their next game.

Norman Mapeza’s side will go into that home clash against Bosso severely under pressure to deliver following their loss to Ngezi Platinum in the Chibuku Super Cup final.

After taking on Highlanders, the platinum miners’ final league match will be against relegation-threatened Tsholotsho away from home. Tsholotsho are desperate to avoid the chop and are likely to make it tough for the Zvishavane-based side.

As for Highlanders, their chances of lifting the title were gravely dented following the 2-1 defeat they suffered at the hands of Tsholotsho two weeks ago.

Erol Akbay’s side will face Hwange at home in their last league match after taking on FC Platinum.

Only a miracle will see Bosso win the title as they now need CAPS to lose both of their remaining matches while they beat FC Platinum and Chipangano.

Meanwhile, the PSL’s decision gives Warriors coach Kalisto Pasuwa an opportunity to select his preferred players without fear of disrupting league activities as he begins preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations to be held in Gabon in January next year.

Pasuwa is expected to name the squad that will do duty against Tanzania this afternoon.

The Warriors should be high in confidence after dismissing Zambia 1-0 in another friendly match on Saturday although the squad was made up of only locally-based players.

Pasuwa is, however, expected to name a strong squad today that could give an indication on the players he might take to Gabon.

Mamelodi Sundowns forward Khama Billiat will not be part of the team to face Tanzania as he will be rested.

But the likes of Costa Nhamoinesu, Marvellous Nakamba, Knowledge Musona, Willard Katsande among others are all expected to be called in for duty against the Taifa Stars. Daily News