Eddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
CAPS United coach Lloyd Chitembwe believes the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League race is set to be tougher this year, compared to the previous seasons in the last decade, and says the Green Machine’s return to the leadership of the race shouldn’t trigger wild celebrations.

Makepekepe powered back to the top after beating Mutare City Rovers 2-0 at Sakubva on Sunday with goals from Simba Nhivi and the impressive Abbas Amidu.

But Chitembwe yesterday said Makepekepe have to work ever harder, to remain in the picture in the championship race, in a season which the coach believes will be very tough with a number of good coaches on the scene and plucky opposition to contend with.

Sunday Chidzambwa, who holds the record for the most league titles won by a coach on the domestic front, has been quietly building a tough team at ZPC Kariba.

He has transformed his side into one, typical of Chidzambwa’s teams, with a defence that is difficult to breach and score-lines like “1-0 win for ZPC Kariba” have become common.

Chidzambwa’s men have the same number of points as CAPS United, but trail the Green Machine because of an inferior goal difference.

The two sides produced a four-goal thriller, in one of the best games in the domestic Premiership this season, when they met at Rufaro with the match fittingly ending in a 2-2 draw.

ZPC Kariba stormed to a 2-0 lead, on a day when Talent Chawapihwa was unplayable down the wings, but — to their credit — the Green Machine fought back to steal a point, thanks to a spirited second half show.

Chitembwe said unity of purpose has been the major driving force at the Green Machine this season.

“Remember this is not a Mickey Mouse league. The competitive nature of this league makes every game difficult,” said Chitembwe.

“We might have won this game (against Mutare City) but I think their coach Taku Shariwa has done well with the club.

“I am happy for my boys. It was a complete team performance especially in the first half in terms of organisation, application and everything else but the second half it was a matter of just trying to make sure that the game is secure.”

Chitembwe said there will be tougher assignments and his men need to concentrate.

“It’s not about being at the top of the table because any team can do that during the course of the league race. For us it’s all about focus and working hard,” said Chitembwe.

“We would want to continue with this positive attitude.

“Definitely our secret this year has been that we have been enjoying every moment ever since we started the pre-season. We have been taking each and every opportunity that we got to enjoy ourselves.

“It all comes together with stability and I think the club has given us the stability this year. When the club is stable what it means is that you only have to concentrate on your own responsibilities and results will come.”

CAPS United host Bulawayo City in their next match at home but the Green Machine have been dropping points in their backyard.

Inactive FC Platinum were relegated into fourth place on 20 points after their match against Chicken Inn was postponed.

Highlanders moved into third place following their 2-0 win over How Mine courtesy of goals from Simon Munawa and the revitalised Bruce Kangwa who is enjoying his role playing more as a forward than a defender.

But just like FC Platinum, they have played nine matches and have a game in hand.

But it was Chidzambwa’s men who continued with their good run this season when they notched up a crucial win at home against Tsholotsho, thanks to Tawanda Munyanduri’s solitary strike, which gave them an overnight stay at the top.

“I think the good thing is we have done better than last year when we were fighting relegation. It’s not the case this time around,” said the legendary coach.

“So I’m quite pleased by our position on the log standings but it’s still early to say anything about the championship.

“There are still 60 points to play for in the season and as it stands many teams still have a chance in the race. But if we can carry on with our form I think we can end on a respectable position.

“We must keep fighting hard, we must try to maintain the winning form because points don’t come on a silver platter.”

They will play Highlanders in their next match away at Barbourfields this Sunday.

Fixtures

Friday

Chapungu v How Mine (Ascot)

Saturday

Ngezi Platinum Stars v Border Strikers (Baobab), Harare City v Dynamos (Rufaro), Tsholotsho v Chicken Inn (White City), FC Platinum v Triangle United (Mandava).

Sunday

CAPS United v Bulawayo City (NSS), Highlanders v ZPC Kariba (Barbourfields), Hwange v Mutare City Rovers (Colliery)