Caps keep faith in Malawi players
Top Zimbabwean club Caps United has said its clear-out exercise aimed at rebuilding the team will not affect its three Malawian players —— defender George Nyirenda, winger Gerald Phiri Jnr and striker Ishmael Thindwa.
Caps director Twine Phiri yesterday said the Malawian trio will stay put at the Harare-based outfit and are among those that will make up their squad for the 2015 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL).
The Daily News of Zimbabwe yesterday reported that time is running out for Caps United as they battle to finalise their squad for the season with their new English coach Mark Harrison still holed up in South Africa.
“The selection process is still ongoing, but I can confirm to you that the trio is not among those that will be off-loaded.
“They were all among our key members for last season and they performed well. So, unless something crops up, we are expecting them back this week for pre-season preparations,” said Phiri in an interview from Harare.
Ironically, the PSL, which Phiri heads, has given clubs February 13 to submit their squads for registration.
Apparently, the Green Machine’s new English coach who was unveiled on January 7, is back in South Africa waiting to obtain a Zimbabwean work permit as well as to relocate to Harare.
Nyirenda, who joined Caps last season, confirmed that they are expected to return to Harare this week, but Thindwa was non-commital when contacted yesterday.
“There are some issues that need to be addressed, let me come back to you later,” said Thindwa who was reduced to a sideshow during the better part of last season.
Phiri could not be reached for comment.
The Daily News also reported that Caps are currently under the guidance of assistant coaches Brenna Msiska and Fungai Kwashi, but the pair cannot decide on the selection of the final squad in the absence of the boss.
Some of the players who have been trying to impress the Caps United technical team include former Chicken Inn defender Charles Mutero, the Harare City trio of Arnold Chaka, Witness Nyamutsaka and Tongai Chiworeso as well as former goalkeeper Itai Chiwara. Shabanie Mine pair of goalkeeper Victor Twaliki and Carlos Messi are also seeking a move to the capital.
