CAPS skipper reflects on season

By Alwyn Mabehla

Champions CAPS United captain Moses Muchenje has expressed gratitude to his teammates in the aftermath of the club winning its fifth league title on Saturday.

The Green Machine needed an outright victory to be confirmed league champions going into the last match of the season against Chapungu at Ascot Stadium on Saturday.

Lloyd Chitembwe named an unchanged side from the one that did duty against Ngezi Platinum last week, and Tafadzwa Rusike who escaped unhurt after he was involved in an accident last Thursday, retained his spot in the starting XI.

A solitary goal from striker Simba Nhivi in the second minute of the tie gave United the all-important three points to fend off the challenge of Norman Mapeza’s FC Platinum.

“Look, we had our challenges throughout the season. Right from the pre-season tour of Mozambique, we had set our target to win the league and I am very happy for the guys for achieving that,” Muchenje said soon after the match.

The United skipper played no part in Saturday’s title-decider as he was making a return from suspension, having missed the Ngezi Platinum Stars tie.

Off the field, Makepekepe were beset by financial problems with players embarking on industrial actions right before matches.

Such moments of madness eventually cost United in the Chibuku Super Cup going down to Tsholotsho in a penalty shoot-out.

“I think we owe this league title to our supporters and more importantly to our club president (Farai Jere). He has been there for us through thick and thin.

“We all know that things are tough in the country but he went out of his way to make sure things were alright at the club,” Muchenje said.

The diminutive midfielder also reserved special words for his coach, giving him credit for all the hard work he invested in the team.

“I think having Chitembwe in the dressing room was a plus for us. He has been pushing us to do well right from the first day of training.

“Even when the chaps were demoralised, he was always pushing them to do well. I think he is the best coach we have had at CAPS United in a very long time.

“Personally, this has been one of my goals to lead the side to the league and I have achieved that through him.”

United finished their impressive season on 63 points, finishing an impressive campaign unbeaten at home. Daily News