CAPS United will leave for Zambia on Thursday for a series of friendly matches against top sides in that country as they step up their preparations for the African Champions League preliminary round against Lesotho champions Lioli next month.

CAPS United Chief Executive Officer Cuthbert Chitima said the Zimbabwean champions have secured friendly matches against Zanaco and some yet to be confirmed clubs.

“We are leaving no stone unturned in our preparations for the game against the Lesotho side. To be in good shape for the match, we have lined up some friendly matches against teams in Zambia, we will take on champions Zanaco. We are still to finalise with some other top clubs in Lusaka,” Chitima said.

“We will play our first match on Friday and we will be there the whole weekend and will be back on Monday. We will also see after the tour of Zambia the next step to take in our preparations.”

CAPS United beat Mozambican champions Ferroviario de Beira 2-0 in their first preparatory match since they regrouped two weeks ago.

Abbas Amidu and Anthony Kambanje got the goals while new boys Ronald Chitiyo, Last Sithole and John Zhuwawo also got a run in that match.

CAPS United will be away in Lesotho for the first leg scheduled for the weekend of February 10-12 before hosting Lioli at the National Sports Stadium the following week.