Story by Lawrence Trusida
Harare giants CAPS United have started their squad renewal after signing five players, with a target to win the 2025 Premier Soccer League title.
The Green Machine have confirmed a move to bring in midfielder Tanaka Shandirwa on a permanent deal from Yadah, having spent the last two seasons at Dynamos.
The gritty Shandirwa is a direct replacement of enterprising Kingsley Mureremba who was sold to Scottland FC.
The former champions have not stopped there after roping in attacking midfielder Love Bissila Mabiala from AC Leopards of Congo, who is expected to cover for Rodwell Chinyengetere who will be focusing more on technical duties.
The Lloyd Chitembwe-coached side has also overhauled the goalkeeping department which was seen as an Achilles heel of the team, bringing in the lanky Harmony Nare from ZPC Hwange and Stephen Odai Kwaku who has 11 international caps for Ghana.
The two replace Tonderai Mateyaunga and Tapiwa Rusenza who have been released.
Upfront Makepekepe have also brought in striker Nyasha Chintuli formerly of Dynamos and Manica Diamonds who was recently in Eswatini to assist William Manondo, the club’s main source of goals following the release of Lot Chiwunga.
Head coach Lloyd Chitembwe believes the continuity in the club will be key in achieving their ambitions.
“We want to win the league this year, and the players that we have signed speak to that. Honestly we did not lose players, rather we let go of them because we want to refresh the squad. The only player we lost wa Momo (Mureremba) but that was a business decision and we invested the money elsewhere, but we have a strong foundation. The core of the squad is intact and we just added in areas that needed attention, so we are good to go,” he said.
The Harare giants are expected to sign three more players as well as bring another coach to assist Chitembwe after the death of respected Nelson Matongorere, while Tostao Kwashi joined Chicken Inn.
The Green Machine have been stable for a while and club president Farai Jere is not mincing his words as he targets the championship.
“We want to win the championship, we have won it before and we know what is needed to win it again and stability and continuity is key and those are the areas that we have addressed. We have a set plan and I believe we will be champions at the end of the season,” he said.
The Green Machine who have been quietly doing their transfer business are expected to start training this Tuesday while those players who had the most minutes last season will resume training on Monday next week.
