Caps Utd fall to Bikita

By Henry Mhara | Mar. 29, 2024 | 3 Min read

CAPS UNITED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0

BIKITA MINERALS . . . . . . . . . (1) 1

Caps United's early struggles in the fresh Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season continued after Chris Makambira's fine first strike saw Bikita Minerals record a huge victory at a re-opened Rufaro Stadium yesterday.

It was the league debutants’ first win of the season in the topflight, having drawn their debut match 1-1 against Yadah at Sakubva Stadium on Sunday.

The home side, which lost their opening match to Chicken Inn, had their chances to score, with Bikita keeper Francis Tizayi making a string of fine saves while striker William Manondo struck the woodwork twice in the second half.

The visitors were content to play on the break, but too had a raft of chances, and made one count when the exciting Makambira was slipped through and outpaced the defenders before drilling past the outdrawn Ashley Reyners in goals for Caps in the 28th minute from a tight angle.

Things almost got even better for the Lithium Boys moments later when Dennis Nhongo headed home from a freekick, but his celebrations were cut shot by an offside flag.

The result sees Caps United dropping to 10th position on the log standings with three points from a possible nine.

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Bikita Minerals, meanwhile, showed no signs of fatigue from their game against Yadah just four days ago and move into ninth, with four points from two matches.

The Saul Chaminuka-coached side welcome Dynamos at Sakubva Stadium on Monday.

Caps United coach Lloyd Chitembwe felt his side was unlucky not to score from one of the numerous chances that they created at the renovated Rufaro Stadium which welcomed league football for the first time in five years yesterday.

“We had some very good moments and also some very bad moments,” Chitembwe said.

“The whole idea was to try and win the match and unfortunately it was for a lost cause. This is the most disappointing thing. We wanted to play with a lot of intensity. It was our intent from the onset hence we were playing more with a high block. We were in control of the game, we did create some good opportunities that could have gone our way, but we could not capitalise on those good situations. Performance wise, it was quite decent, and we are hoping for a good result in the next game given the way we played today [yesterday].”

Chaminuka praised his side which put a huge shift especially in the dying moments of the match when Caps United threw everything at them.

“I'm more than happy. I'm proud to lead a group of players like the one I'm leading now. They listen and try to do what they are asked to do. It is a big win for us. It's a game that is telling, in terms of the story that we are in the premier league. These boys are a special group, and I hope the club will keep it intact. If they could respond to training in this short space of time, what more if we are to spend a full season together. Next season they will be untouchable,” Chaminuka said.

Teams:

CAPS Utd: A Reyners, I Zambezi, E Manokore, H Chapusha, G Murwira, D Chafa (L Chiwunga, 46'), R Kawondera, P Bamusi, W Makuva (I Nyoni, 61'), W Manondo, R Chinyengetere

Bikita Minerals: F Tizai, B Kagudu, P Milanzi, C Manzabwa (N Washington, 85'), D Nhongo, B Mtuche, A Gahadzikwa (M Mambare, 67'), B Bera, R Madamombe (D Mutimuzunze, 55'), C Makambira, E Katema (G Timoti, 85')