Third force to destabilise CAPS United

CAPS United's excellent start to the season could be derailed amid revelations a third force is leaning on destabilising the club.

This comes as the club chiefs yesterday told the Daily News that they were aware of a dark hand trying to use the players to derail their own project which has seen them occupying third on the log, despite failing to win in two consecutive matches.

Yesterday CAPS United was said to be in turmoil over outstanding salaries to the extent that players were mulling an industrial strike – claims strongly dismissed by  chief executive Cuthbert Chitima.

"As CAPS United we are fully behind our team and coach. I think it's those who want to destabilise our team who want his out. We are very happy with the team's performance. We are in the right direction," Chitima told the Daily News.

He dismissed allegations that the players had been distracted by outstanding issues and was the reason the team was not playing well.

"I'm actually getting it from you. There is nothing like that. Everything is in order it's all lies. It's actually the same thing with those supporters who are calling for the head of coach Lloyd Chitembwe.

"There are some unruly elements from outside and I doubt some of those supporters are truly part of CAPS United. In any case how can we not be happy when we are third on the log table?"

Chitembwe, uncharacteristically, hinted on resigning from the third-placed side, bizarrely pointing to a breakdown in relationship with CAPS United boo boys who are not happy with the team's current run.

His unexpected emotional statement after the FC Platinum game where United drew for the successive match – has led to belief that all in now well at CAPS United and the problem could not be with the supporters.

Yesterday one of the players speaking on condition of anonymity said there were problems with their salaries.

"It's the same situation from last month; we have not received our salaries and it's actually two months now," said the player.

"It's unfortunate that we are being subjected to this kind of treatment when we are doing our best on the field. Results are coming and we have a very good chance to win the title this season but at this rate our efforts could count for nothing.

"We have managed to cope with the situation so far, but it's now affecting our performances. What is troubling the most is the fact there are certain individuals who are getting their salaries while the rest of us are suffering."

Makepekepe players have only been receiving winning bonuses which are however, not enough to meet their financial obligations like rentals and other basic necessities.

United players went on strike last month before club president Farai Jere intervened.

The Green Machine players began preparations to host Tsholotsho tomorrow at the National Sports Stadium but some are beginning to feel restless.

Fixtures:

Tomorrow: Bulawayo City v Border Strikers (Barbourfields, SS), Chicken Inn v Ngezi Platinum Stars (Barbourfields, SS), ZPC Kariba v Harare City (Nyamhunga), CAPS United v Tsholotsho (National Sports Stadium), Triangle United v Chapungu (Gibbo), Hwange v FC Platinum (Colliery)

Thursday: How Mine v Dynamos (Barbourfields, SS), Mutare City Rovers v Highlanders (Sakubva)