CAPS UNITED will be without the services of key defender Stephen Makatuka when they travel to Beitbridge for a crucial Castle Lager Premier Soccer League clash against relegation threatened Border Strikers on Sunday.

Makatuka is one of the eight players suspended for Week 26 after accumulating three consecutive yellow cards.

He accumulated the yellow cards in the matches against FC Platinum, Triangle and How Mine.

Caps United, who are a point behind log leaders FC Platinum on the log standings, will play Border Strikers a day after the Zvishavane miners’ clash against Harare City at Rufaro needing an outright win to either keep pace or eclipse Norman Mapeza’s men.

Makepekepe coach Lloyd Chitembwe will be forced to reshuffle his backline, most probably partnering 2014 Soccer Star of the Year Dennis Dauda with either Carlton Munzabwa or Justice Jangano.

FC Platinum will also be without utility player Winston Mhango, one of the most consistent actors in Pure Platinum Play’s quest to become to become the first team from outside Harare and Bulawayo to win the league title.

The Zvishavane side play Harare City at Rufaro on Saturday.

Talent Chamboko (Ngezi Platinum Stars), Mkhululi Moyo and Innocent Kutsanzira (Bulawayo City), Godfrey Mukambi (Border Strikers), Obert Moyo (Hwange) and Victor Kamhuka (How Mine) complete the list of players suspended for weekend fixtures.

Week 26 Fixtures

Saturday

Ngezi Platinum Stars v Tsholotsho (Baobab), ZPC Kariba v Triangle (Nyamhunga), How Mine v Mutare City (Luveve), Harare City  v FC Platinum (Rufaro), Chapungu v Highlanders (Ascot)

Sunday

Bulawayo City v Chicken Inn (Barbourfields), Dynamos v Hwange (Rufaro), Border Strikers v Caps United (Dulivhadzimu)