CAPS United edge Bulawayo Chiefs 3-2
Story by Lawrence Trusida, Sports Editor
PREMIER Soccer League giants, CAPS United have almost guaranteed themselves of premiership football next season after edging Bulawayo Chiefs 3-2 in an exciting encounter at the National Sports Stadium.
In a match they were seeking PSL survival, CAPS United had to first survive sustained pressure from a spirited Bulawayo Chiefs side that is also seeking to retain their top flight status.
Makepekepe had to come from behind to salvage the all-important three points.
Last season’s top goal scorer, William Manondo rediscovered his scoring touch as he gave the home side the lead in the 17th minute with an overhead kick.
However, diminutive striker Obriel Chirinda then showed he is the hottest striker on the land after rounding off CAPS United goalkeeper Ashley Rayners to score his 12th of the campaign.
Chirinda was on hand again as he assisted Billy Vheremu as Chiefs took the lead before Makepekepe quickly restored parity with an acrobatic kick from William Manondo who is now on eight goals this season.
As fate would have it, CAPS United’s man of the moment, Rodwell Chinyetere then ruffled home the winner from outside the penalty box to secure maximum points with a quarter of an hour to play.
The victory takes CAPS United’s tally to 41 points with three matches to go before the end of the season.
Mathematically, Makepekepe needs just two points to survive as the 14th-placed team at the moment can only reach a maximum of 43 points but based on history, 41 points has generally been as safe mark.
“We had to fight for the result, we worked hard and we are happy with where we are it’s not a position we would have loved but then again this is where we are as a team and we live to fight another day,” said CAPS United coach, Lloyd Chitembwe.
His opposite number, Johanisi Nhumwa is still confident his team can survive relegation as they are two points above the relegation zone with 36 points.
“We can survive we had two away games that were tough now we believe going back home we can grind results and survive the chop,” said Bulawayo Chiefs coach, Johanisi Nhumwa.
Elsewhere, Triangle moved out of the relegation zone after beating giants, Highlanders one-nil at Gibbo stadium.
However, they have the same number of points as Sheasham and Yadah who are in the relegation zone, with all three teams on 34 points.
After match day 31, Cranborne Bullets, Black Rhinos, Sheasham and Yadah are the bottom four clubs on the log.
