By Godknows Matarutse
HARARE – CAPS United striker Leonard Tsipa is in a race to be fit for Sunday’s Chibuku Super Cup clash against ZPC Kariba at Rufaro Stadium.
The veteran striker, who returned to the Green Machine at the start of the season, has been the focal point of the Harare giant’s attack.
Tsipa has spent the week battling for fitness as he looks to spearhead Makepekepe’s attack after picking up a groin injury in his side’s 1-0 loss to Harare City in their last league match.
Makepekepe coach Mark Mathe is desperate to avoid any wobbles in the knockout tournament and insists his fitness will be assessed before they can make a decision.
“We will need to wait and see with Tsipa,” Mathe told the Daily News yesterday.
“The doctors are monitoring his situation and he needs to pass a late fitness test. He is an important player for us and we would want him to take part in every game. He has been in great form lately and is one of the leaders in the team.”
In the event that Tsipa fails to make it in time for Sunday’s tie, the Green Machine can still count on prodigal son in Dominic Chungwa in their ranks.
They also have Kudzai Nyamupfukudza and new signing from Equatorial Guinea Pedro Fugo Mansongo.
Mathe, whose team is also still in the reckoning for the Premiership title, predicts a tough match against a struggling ZPC Kariba side.
“Cup games by nature difficult. We don’t look into statistics. That ZPC is struggling is something else,” said Mathe.
“Our chances are as bright as ZPC. They are a good team with good players and their coach (Sunday Chidzambwa) is a very good reader of the game.
“So we are looking forward to a tough game. But we want to do well as CAPS United. It’s always nice to go far in cup tournaments. The boys are aware of the task at hand and they are all raring to go.”
Chidzambwa, on the other hand, is also under immense pressure as he still searching for his first win since replacing Saul Chaminuka.
Another defeat for the former Warriors coach is likely to put his job on the wire.
In another match set for the weekend, Kelvin Kaindu’s Triangle will hoping to maintain their winning form when they welcome Tsholotsho at Gibbo.
Today: Harare City v Buffaloes (Rufaro Stadium)
Tomorrow: Chicken Inn v Hwange (Luveve Stadium), FC Platinum v Dongo Sawmill (Mandava Stadium), Chapungu v Flame Lily (Ascot Stadium), Dynamos v Whawha (Rufaro Stadium),
Sunday: Triangle United v Tsholotsho (Gibbo Stadium), How Mine v Highlanders (Barbourfields Stadium), CAPS United v ZPC Kariba (Rufaro Stadium). Daily News
