FC Platinum gaffer Norman Mapeza is wary of Caps United’s wily old foxes ahead of their blockbuster Castle Lager Premier Soccer League collision at Mandava Stadium tomorrow.
Caps United have some of the league’s most senior citizens in their ranks, among them 37-year-old Lot Chiwunga, who grabbed a brace for the Green Machine in their win over Arenel Movers on Sunday.
Mapeza singled out his former players Rodwell Chinyengetere and Ralph Kawondera as potential threats. He also mentioned Chiwunga, who is enjoying his new lease of life at the Green Machine.
The Harare giants are buzzing after their impressive 3-1 win over Arenel Movers over the Easter holiday, which was their second win of the season.
FC Platinum are in better space though having defeated Herentals at Rufaro Stadium on Monday and sit joint top with Highlanders having collected 10 points out of a possible 12.
The four-time champions have dominated this fixture over the years, but this time, Mapeza feels they must be extra cautious.
“My fear was that we may have players carrying knocks because our last game against Herentals was physical. Lucky enough, everyone is okay. Caps are a good side, their last result against Arenel, they did well, it’s a team full of experience. They have so much experience in their squad. Nothing beats experience. All we need is to play our normal game. We are not changing anything. We respect them because given an opportunity, guys like Rodwell (Chinyengetere), Ralph (Kawondera) and Lot Chiwunga will punish you. They are dangerous guys. We must be organised in defence, in transition and all aspects of the game,” Mapeza said.
Caps United started off the campaign with a defeat to Chicken Inn before they atoned with a win over Herentals. They then lost to Bikita Minerals on their return to Harare before the Sunday success.
Inn their last two visits to Mandava Stadium, Caps United lost both matches 2-1 last term and 3-0 the season before.