Buoyant Maruwa targets CAPS United scalp in survival bid

Manica Diamonds coach Herbert Maruwa is in buoyant mood ahead of hosting CAPS United, whose PSL title charge is in disarray, saying there is no room for error as his side fights to escape the relegation zone.

This one promises to be a mouth-watering tie at Sakubva Stadium on Saturday, pitting teams with contrasting fortunes. Simply put, CAPS are desperate to reignite their fading title push, while Manica Diamonds are desperate to rise from the murky waters of relegation. The Gem Boys sit 17th with 16 points after 22 matches.

For Maruwa, the league has reached a stage where teams must capitalize on home advantage, more pertinently as the relegation dogfight heats up.

“We are ready for the game, and we are expecting to grind a positive result. The game is going to be a difficult game but we are hoping to maximise our home advantage and come up with a positive result,” Maruwa told Fanzone.

“That makes the game a little bit difficult as the two sides have contrasting.But I believe my charges will fight and get a positive result.”

PSL BATTLE FOR SURVIVAL HEATS UP

In the two matches he has presided over, The Gem Boys beat ZPC Kariba FC 1-0 at home, and lost 2-1 to Chicken Inn FC at Luve Stadium. Crucially, the clash against CAPS United is an ultimate litmus test in the bid to maintain PSL status.

CAPS United have endured a bumpy run of late, that has seen them surrender top spot to Scottland FC. They have also been overtaken by Hardrock FC, Dynamos FC and Ngezi Platinum Stars. They are winless in their last six matches, with five draws and one loss.

“Saturday is another day to fight for the points that we desperately need as we try to move out of the relegation zone. If the boys keep on working hard, we will achieve our goals,” Maruwa said.

But the former TelOne gaffer will have to make do without key defender Lawrence Masibera, who is suspended. Masibera is not only the team’s defensive mainstay but has also stepped up to be a reliable goalscorer with four goals to his name. He is the team’s leading scorer.

While attention is on the leading pack, the battle of strugglers is also heating up at the bottom of the PSL table. Triangle United anchor the table in 18th position with 11 points, while TelOne FC occupy 16th with 17 points. Agama FC sit 15th with 19 points.

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