CAPS United finds itself at a pivotal juncture in the 2026 season, balancing the ambition of securing two major trophies against the urgent need to cement a respectable position in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League. The Green Machine, having reclaimed their stature as a genuine giant of domestic football, are mounting a fierce challenge across multiple fronts, ensuring they remain relevant in both the league and the two marquee knockout tournaments.
For the first time in four years, the Harare giants have reached the semi-finals of the Chibuku Super Cup. Simultaneously, they are aggressively gunning for the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup, a prize of significant prestige, as the winners earn a coveted ticket to represent the country in the CAF Confederation Cup. Despite starting the league marathon at an encouraging pace, their title aspirations have faded, yet they remain firmly committed to a strong finish. They are currently targeting a top-four placement, a goal that hinges on stitching together a consistent run of positive results in the final six matches of the season, beginning with tomorrow’s clash against MWOS at Ngoni.
The momentum is undeniably in their favour, with the Harare giants remaining unbeaten in five games across all competitions over the last six weeks. Coach Takesure Chiragwi, acutely aware of the delicate balance his squad must maintain, has made it clear that their cup ambitions should not overshadow their league commitments.
“Yes, we are chasing for two cups but that should never see us being careless about a strong finish in the league,” said Chiragwi. “As a big team, we are supposed to fight for everything on offer but sometimes there are also those who do better than you. We know we cannot win the championship given where we are right now but we will fight hard to try and finish the race in the top four. As a team we have been talking a lot about it and I am happy the boys also share the same thoughts.”
Reflecting on the season, Chiragwi admitted to a sense of frustration regarding their league campaign. “We are disappointed we surrendered our push for the championship a bit easily and a bit early. That’s the biggest regret we have as a team right now. We lost crucial points in the crucial phases of the season. What even pains me most is the fact that we lost these points while playing well. Finishing strongly is now the aim while we also chase for the other trophies in which we are still part of.”
The challenge posed by MWOS is not one the technical team is taking lightly, especially recalling the stubborn resistance offered by the Norton side during their previous encounter at Rufaro, which ended in a draw. “MWOS is a very good team and they also have the chance to finish in the top-four. The game against them won’t be easy at all,” added Chiragwi. “They have a good coach and a good team all round. They have of late been doing very well and CAPS United often find it hard to breach them. But as CAPS United, we are ready to face them. We have been doing well and I think we have also prepared well for that match. It won’t be easy for us but it also won’t be easy for them. We have done our preparations well and so far, so good. Our boys are ready and we hope we will put our best foot forward in Norton.”
To bolster their chances in Norton, Makepekepe will be significantly buoyed by the return of striker Obriel Chirinda, who was sidelined last weekend with an ankle injury during their successful Chibuku Super Cup quarter-final outing against ZPC Kariba.
The broader landscape of the 2026 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League remains intensely competitive, though not without its own complexities. As the season approaches its climax, clubs across the league are contending with varying degrees of pressure, including persistent logistical and financial challenges that continue to test the sustainability of some teams within the broader Zimbabwean football framework. These external pressures often manifest in the form of disrupted fixture schedules and demanding matchday environments, requiring clubs to demonstrate immense mental and physical resilience.
As the league prepares for Matchday 29, the roster of available personnel has been impacted by disciplinary measures. A total of nine players are set to miss their respective fixtures through suspension, posing tactical headaches for various technical teams. Dynamos find themselves as the most heavily impacted club, with both Mujuru and Nyahwa ruled out of contention.
Highlanders face their own personnel crisis, set to be without Never Rauzhi for their encounter against Hardrock at Barbourfields Stadium. Hardrock, in turn, will be missing the services of Gerald Takwara. The list of suspended players, which underlines the high-stakes nature of this stage of the season, also includes:
- Ralph Kawondera (Herentals College)
- Junior Makunike (Chicken Inn)
- Valentine Katsande (MWOS)
- Allen Mukombedzi (CAPS United)
- Godfrey Tadiwa Muchenje (FC Platinum)
As the final weeks of the season unfold, the focus remains squarely on how these clubs navigate both the disciplinary challenges and the physical fatigue inherent in such a congested fixture list, as they look to secure their desired finishes in an increasingly tight table.