CAPS United’s 3-0 premier league win over Bantu Rovers is a timely confidence boost ahead of their trip to Al Ahly Tripoli for their return leg of the CAF champions group B in Tunisia next week, according to assistant coach, Fungai Kwashi Tostao.
The premier league defending champions saw off a confounded Bantu Rovers in a mid evening kick-off clash with goals from Ronald Chitiyo 25 seconds into the second half, Dominic Chungwa 52nd minute strike and substitute Amon Kambanje’s 68th volley from near the centre.
Speaking to journalists after the match, Kwashi said the morale and the essential ego will be high in the camp ahead of their reverse fixture against the Liberians.
“Winning games always boots your ego, boosts morale in people, it boosts confidence, so we are happy, and you know, we look forward to the game in [Al Ahly] Tripoli. We go there with a lot of confidence after this game, but we still have to work hard in the next four or five days and we also pray hard and God will lead us to the promised land,” he said.
CAPS United fielded a side with several unacquainted faces which saw third choice goalkeeper, Prosper Chigumba, in the goalposts with second choice keeper, Jorum Muchambo, sitting on the bench in the absence of the injured Edmore Sibanda.
Fullback Valentine Musarurwa also returned to the starting line up in the absence of Ronald Pfumbidzai, whose announcement for suspension from PSL came only 10 minutes before kick-off as former Dynamos midfielder, Devon Chafa, wore the armband.
Right back Zvikomborero Biseki was another returnee into the starting 11 with captain Hardlife Zvirekwi still out injured. Dominic Chungwa made a rare start, notching home a crucial goal, while Joel Ngodzo returned to midfield as Moses Muchenje sat on the bench.
” . . . we have 25, 30 players who are registered so whoever gets the shirt has to come to the party. So Amon Kambanje came to the party, Crispen Machisi came to the party and Joel Ngodzo came to the party. They were not playing the past games so it’s good and healthy for the team, [the] competition; people getting their chance and doing well,” said Kwashi.
“Brilliant goals as well. Great goal from Rooney [Ronald Chitiyo], contender for goal of the year from Amon Kambanje, I know it’s too early to talk like that but it’s a fantastic goal from 60, 40 yards, the intelligence that he had to know that the keeper is not there. And it was his first or second game this season, we are happy for him. But we urge him stay humble, not to get big headed and to keep working hard.
“Another brilliant goal from Chungwa, he hit the roof, bullet of a goal, it would be good for his confidence. It was also probably his second start as well, so we are happy for the strikers and we are happy with the goals. So it was a happy evening for us.”