Club Coach Says Zimbabwe's Caps United Almost Collapsing
Coach Mark Harrison is not sure whether the team will be able to fulfil its matches as the Green Machine prepare to face in-form ZPC Kariba on Sunday.
HARARE — Caps United are in another financial test when the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League programme enters its week six starting tomorrow. Chances are that the club may fail to fulfill its next game. The former Zimbabwe champions are in serious financial problems to the extent that coach Mark Harrison is not sure whether the team will be able to fulfil its matches as the Green Machine prepare to face in-form ZPC Kariba at the National Sports Stadium on Sunday. Harrison says Caps United do not have even a cent for travelling to some local matches. The British coach says the Green Machine may cease to exist in the next two weeks if they do not get an urgent financial package from the corporate sector or well-wishers. Even club owner Twine Phiri admits that the former Zimbabwean Cup Kings are in trouble, saying the current economic environment in the country has not been favourable. He adds that Caps United are not the only team that is struggling financially. But in the meantime, says Phiri, he has put up a plan that will see the Green Machine fulfil their fixtures, including the one against ZPC Kariba, known here as Katuruturu. Caps United find themselves facing the same team that beat them 1-0 in the Independence Trophy third-place play off at White City Stadium but this time in a league match. ZPC Kariba are also coming into this game like a wounded Lion after suffering their first defeat of the season Wednesday when they were beaten by Chapungu 2-1 at Ascot Stadium in a re-arranged match. But the talk of the football fraternity is the Harare derby between Harare City and Dynamos at Rufaro Stadium tomorrow which should be a test case for David Mandigora’s unbeaten defending champions. This is Dynamos’ biggest test so far as Harare City or the Sunshine City Boys have built a very strong side after spending a lot of money during the off season, including signing on Dynamos defender Themba Ndlovu. More importantly is the fact that the game comes after Harare City’s morale is boasted by a 2-1 win over Norman Mapeza’s FC Platinum on Wednesday. Dynamos coach David Mandigora is aware of the threat that his team faces. Dynamos and Triangle remain the only unbeaten sides in the premiership and Dembare need a win to keep pace with Triangle, who have a seemingly easy task against struggling newly promoted boys, Flame Lilly, at Larfage Stadium. Also tomorrow, is the Bulawayo derby between Chicken Inn and How Mine at Luveve Stadium. Chicken Inn coach Joey Antipas believes his team is on a roll this season especially after beating FC Platinum 3-1 at Mandava Stadium. FC Platinum travel to Ascot Stadium to play Whawha Prisons. Although the miners are not at their best, especially after the midweek defeat to Chapungu, coach Norman Mapeza says it is too early to judge his team. Dongo Sawmills are at home to Highlanders at Venhere Stadium with the same happening to Chapungu who host winless Hwange. Tsholotsho Pirates, so far the most impressive of the newly promoted sides, hope to continue their rich vein of form with a win over struggling Buffaloes. That game which is set for White City Stadium rounds off the Premiership action for week six.