Chiragwi says season not derailed despite Munhumutapa Cup exit

CAPS United coach Takesure Chiragwi insists his side’s season is not derailed despite crashing out of the ZIFA Munhumutapa Challenge Cup after blowing a two-goal lead.

Makepekepe were dumped out by giant-killers FC Hunters yesterday at Rufaro Stadium, losing 3-1 on penalties after a dramatic 2-2 draw.

The Green Machine had looked set to end their 17-year wait for a knockout trophy after Ishmael Wadi’s first-half brace put them ahead at the break.

However, Nesbert Saruchera’s Hunters refused to be cowed into submission, after turning on their screws in the second half. Terrence Dzvukamanja pulled one back in the 75th minute before former CAPS man Ronald Pfumbidzai broke his former paymasters with a dramatic 95th-minute equalizer to force penalties.

In the shootout, FC Hunters goalkeeper Brandon Munkuli was the hero, saving three penalties to seal a 3-1 win for the Premiership debutants.

WHAT TAKESURE CHIRAGWI SAID

Despite the painful exit, Chiragwi was quick to put the defeat into perspective and reassure the Green Machine faithful that their overall campaign remains on track.

“As a team I think we are doing well. Yes we have lost, but look at the performance, how we are playing, where we are going. That’s what is more important. We still have more games to play.

“We are still in the semi-final of the Chibuku that we can also fight to have one silverware at the end of the season and finish in a respectable position. It’s very achievable. We’ve lost the game, we have to take it. It’s water under the bridge now,” said Chiragwi.

Reflecting on how his side let the lead slip, the CAPS United gaffer admitted they lost concentration and paid the ultimate price for switching off in the second half:

“They did their homework very well. They got those two set-pieces and managed to come back. That’s football. It’s not about playing the moment, it’s about how you concentrate for all 90 minutes.

“We were two-nil up and thought maybe we had wrapped up the game. But if you don’t concentrate until the last minute, this is how it ends.”

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