CAPS United are two points poorer going into their fourth match of the season compared to last season at the same stage.
The champions had collected seven points in their first three games, only dropping points against Ngezi Platinum.
Interestingly, it is the same opponent that Makepekepe face at Baobab on Wednesday.
Anything short of victory against Tonderai Ndiraya’s charges will however mean that Chitembwe’s side will become five points poorer than they were at the same stage last year.
In the first four games last year, CAPS United were ruthless, brushing aside Chapungu 3-0, Harare City 2-1 and then Dynamos in the fourth match 1-0.
This season they have won only once against Harare City, replicating last year’s scoreline (2-1). And they have dropped points in draws against Shabanie Mine and Tsholotsho.
CAPS United coach Lloyd Chitembwe is clear that they have a mountain to climb.
“We knew we were going to drop some points at some stage of the season, the Ngezi game is one we expect to go out there and fight and get the result that we want but it’s never going to be easy but obviously we are looking forward to that game,” Chitembwe said.
While CAPS United look as dangerous as ever, the champions are having to play with teams that want a piece of the champions.
Chitembwe made it clear that it is like CAPS United against the rest of the world.
Coach Tonderai Ndiraya said this will be one of the biggest games.
“They are coming from a draw so they are better off than us. But of course, we expect them to be at their best and pushing for a win. We have to be prepared for that. This is the battle between the league champions and the cup champions,” said Ndiraya.
CAPS FIRST FOUR GAMES 2016
CAPS United               3-0 Chapungu  
Ngezi Platinum            1-1 CAPS United   
CAPS United                2-1 Harare City   
Dynamos                    0-1 CAPS United