Lloyd Chitembwe reckons that CAPS United could have long wrapped up the league title had it not been for the financial challenges bedevilling the club which has seen the players striking before matches.

“Imagine if we had as much financial support, you know, as these other teams we are chasing. I am sure by now we could have been somewhere.  But all the same we are happy by the contribution each and every one of these players has given to the team. I think they are deserving champions, even if we don’t win the league,” said Chitembwe.

Speaking after Caps United edged How Mine 3-2 in a nervy ending encounter at the National Sports Stadium on Sunday to keep pressure on log leaders FC Platinum, Chitembwe said his players have already developed a mindset of ‘champions in waiting’.

“Their application on the field of play tells you they have what it takes to go all the way.  It’s difficult to try to deviate the way they think; they believe they are the champions. Even if we don’t win the league, all the same I am happy to have this group of players,” added Chitembwe.

CAPS United trail FC Platinum with six games before the end of the season and showed enormous character to score a winner in optional time after having surrendered a two goal lead in the dying stages of the match. 

Makepekepe’s season has been punctuated by a series of player unrest over outstanding winning bonuses and salaries with reports saying that the players as well as the technical team have arrears running into a number of months.

CAPS United were knocked out of the Chibuku Super Cup in the first round by Tsholotsho after the players staged a sit in before the match, delaying kick off by 35 minutes.