Makepekepe target Defence Forces Cup

CAPS United have a chance to add silverware to their trophy cabinet when they face a ZDF Select team in a Defence Forces Cup final clash at the National Sports Stadium today.

Traditionally, the tournament has been completed by the uniformed forces' clubs, with Chapungu and Black Rhinos often battling for honours.

But last year, Dynamos were invited to take part in the Cup in which they beat the ZDF Select 4-2 on penalties to lift the trophy.

Both teams had ended the match 1-1.

This year the organisers have opted for the in-form Harare side CAPS United who are currently enjoying their game and are placed second in the league championship race.

On Saturday, CAPS United were held to a goalless draw at home by the Premiership's pacesetters FC Platinum in a game they could have won had Leonard Tsipa not blown a golden chance.

Yesterday, CAPS United coach Lloyd Chitembwe said they were taking the match seriously as they seek to maintain their momentum.

Expected to be thrown in the fray today is goalkeeper Jorum Muchambo who has lost his place in the starting XI to Edmore "Zikeeper" Sibanda

CAPS United midfielder Archford Gutu, who has been a disappointing shadow of the man who was a midfield darling in the Dynamos colours in the 2011 season before leaving for Sweden's top-flight league, is also likely to feature this afternoon.

Amid high expectations when he joined the Green Machine at the start of the season, Gutu has failed to command a regular jersey at the club.

Chitembwe is also likely to give a run to former Triangle midfielder Cabby Kamhapa and defender Carlton Munzabwa.

"We are using the same players but we will rest some players and give others a chance to play.

"We are taking this match seriously as we are at a stage where we want to keep our momentum.

"It is good that we would be playing in this match and we will give it our best," said Chitembwe.

The Zimbabwe Defence Forces have appointed former Black Rhinos striker Maronga "The Bomber" Nyangela to take charge of the Select side.

Yesterday he was confident that the best players drawn from the defence forces sides — Chapungu, Black Rhinos, Buffaloes and Tongogara — will do well against the former league champions.

"We had time to prepare as a team. We respect CAPS United, they are doing very well in the Premiership but we want to lift the Defence Forces Cup.

"CAPS United should really be at their best if they want to beat us otherwise we are not going to give it to them on a silver platter.

"It is war and we are defence forces and we mean business," said Nyangela.

Chapungu's veteran striker Philip Marufu is expected to lead the attack of the team which will have other experienced players such as the Black Rhinos trio of goalkeeper Hebert Rusawo, defender Brighton Chandisaita and Wilson Chakanyuka.

Nyangela said he has combined youth and experience in coming up with a balanced squad.