As the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League heads to the wire, Caps United fans believe destiny is in their hands and come next Sunday, they will be lifting the 2016 championship in style.
Makepekepe as Caps United is affectionately known by its fans, sit at the summit of league table two points ahead of their close title rivals, FC platinum and a win away to Chapungu on Sunday will see them lift a trophy they last won in 2006 under the guidance of former warriors coach Charles Mhlauri.
Over the past decade, the Caps United fans have watched in agony as their team played second fiddle to city rivals, Dynamos who lifted the Premier League crown for a record four consecutive times during Kalisto Pasuwa’s successful rein in which he bagged a collective 16 trophies for the Glamour boys.
However, this year, the coveted title seems to be heading to the green side of the capital and the fans have made their feelings known.
Speaking to 263Chat in the aftermath of their one nil win over Ngezi Platinum, Caps United fans expressed joy at how far the team has defied the odds to be where it is now.
“We are delighted for the team. The players have worked hard and whatever happens in Gweru on Sunday, we will still be proud of the guys for they have shown that you can achieve so much with less,” said one avid fan identified as Baba Joy.
Another fan, Peter Chibayamombe said “The team has been resilient throughout the season and that has contributed so much to our achievement. I can’t wait to see the team lift the trophy on Sunday and I will definitely travel to Gweru to be part of the victory party,” he said while adding that Caps United exhibited beautiful passing football which has catapulted them to the summit of the log.
Chido from Glenview showered praises for the Green Machine likening their play to the Spanish giants Barcelona. Said Chido “I believe in this team, I love Caps United, it’s my life and I breathe and live Caps. They are our own version of Barcelona and come Sunday, we will be celebrating winning the title.”
Bla Jedza said “Caps United are already Champions, they should just hand us the title. The game against Chapungu is a waste of time because we will bring them down. We are going to have a Chapungu Braii in Gweru while we celebrate the league win.”
However, before the Green Half of the Capital can start thinking about adding the 2016 title to their trophy cabinet, they have to win the Chapungu game which will propel them to an unassailable 63 points.
Breathing in their wings is FC Platinum who still have a realistic chance of lifting their maiden Premier League Crown should Caps United fail to collect maximum points at Ascot stadium on Sunday while a victory for them away to Tsholotsho FC.
It remains to be seen how the Premier League will handle the issue of trophy handover considering that either FC Platinum (playing in Tsholotsho) or Caps United (playing in Gweru) has chances of winning the league championship.
In the event that Caps United do not win the game at Chapungu and they end up drawing while FC Platinum wins their match against Tsholotsho FC, It would mean the Harare giants will have to wait another season as the Zvishavane based side will win the title on goal difference.
