HARARE – Caps United will fulfil tomorrow’s Harare Derby against Dynamos but the club’s players have vowed to employ a play-as-we-earn approach.
Indications are that skipper Hardlife Zvirekwi and his lieutenants will demand some money or “at least firm assurance” before they board the team bus to the National Sports Stadium.
Just like they did after their 1-0 win over FC Platinum last Sunday the Makepekepe players will also seek to be paid directly from the gate- takings.
It’s a dicey situation that the Caps United hierarchy is battling to manage.
Following Thursday’s embarrassing low which saw Makepekepe failing to fulfil their tie away to How Mine as players refused to take to the field in protest against outstanding salaries and winning bonuses, the club’s bosses are seeking to ensure that normalcy, or some resemblance of it, returns to their camp.
Mark Harrison, Caps United coach:
“What happened on Thursday was unfortunate and unfortunate things happen in life. But that is history now, we have got to put that aside. The club has to move forward and hopefully we can take the positives out of the negative.
“We have to wake up, as long as we stay together we can do it, unity is key. I have been speaking to players individually and as a group, they are all committed to play for Caps United.”
Caps United players trained without incident on Good Friday at Reserve Bank Sports Club and the National Sports Stadium yesterday with under fire club president Twine Phiri promising that his team will come out to battle tomorrow.
“I can assure everyone that the game against Dynamos is on, we will be there,” said Phiri.
The decision to fulfil tomorrow’s tie was arrived at after a clear the air meeting held before Good Friday’s workout.
While Dynamos were labouring to their third straight triumph of the season at Rufaro, the Green Machine were going through a soul-searching exercise.
Events leading up to Thursday’s embarrassment were dissected with Zvirekwi, want away left back Ronald Pfumbidzai and defender Stephen Makatuka being identified as the ring leaders of a group that successfully pushed for the abandonment of the tie against How Mine.
It also emerged that the majority of Caps United players believe that the trio of Rodreck Mutuma, Leonard Tsipa and goalkeeper Victor Twaliki were pushing for the tie to be played because they have “special contracts and individual sponsors.”
It’s an allegation the Caps United management dismisses.
For coach Mark Harrison his debut money standoff at Makepekepe has proven to be a reality check with the Briton highlighting to Phiri that a man is as good as his “happy tools.”
As the drama plays out at the Green Machine the Glamour Boys are ready to deal ruthlessly with a sworn enemy.
“I don’t think what is happening at Caps will spoil the Derby, it’s a big game and we expect a tough afternoon,” said the fast improving but soon out of contract Dynamos skipper Augustine Mbara.
With their charges having toiled hard in heat against Dongo Sawmill, the Dynamos technical team has designed a programme aimed at ensuring that the players get back to their fitness levels in time for tomorrow’s duel.
A lot of ice packs will be used by the champions.
DeMbare coach David “Yogi” Mandigora looks set to continue with his different game, different strategy approach as he seeks to avoid being predictable early in the season. Mandigora is aware that Dynamos’ storming start to the season will see their play being microscopically looked at by the opposition.
This afternoon he intends to finalise his game plan.
“Every game is different and every opponent is different so we will prepare for Caps accordingly. We are looking for a positive result on Monday (tomorrow),” said Mandigora after the 1-0 win over Dongo Sawmill. The Sunday Mail
