Caps United fans demand Chitembwe's exit as relega...

Caps United fans demand Chitembwe's exit as relegation looms

Philemon Jambaya

Zim Now Editor

The once-mighty Green Machine is sputtering, its engine choked by a series of disastrous results that have plunged Caps United into the treacherous depths of the relegation zone. Just five games into the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season, the roar of the fans has turned into a venomous chorus demanding the head of coach Lloyd Chitembwe.

The statistics paint a grim picture. Caps United, languishing alongside Bikita Minerals, Triangle, and Chicken Inn, have conceded the second-highest number of goals in the league. They trail even the goal-shy ZPC Kariba and the seemingly hopeless Kwekwe United. Nine points separate them from log leaders Ngezi Platinum Stars, a chasm that threatens to widen with each passing match.

Yesterday's defeat, a 2-1 loss to Ngezi, was the third nail in Chitembwe's coffin. Obriel Chirinda and Ashwin Karengesha's strikes for Ngezi, coupled with a calamitous own goal by Gomezgani Chirwa, ignited the fury of the Caps faithful. Whispers of a new technical team, spearheaded by Takesure Chiragwi, swirl through social media, fueled by desperation and dwindling hope.

The club's owner, Farai Jere, had previously pledged Chitembwe's unwavering tenure, but recent reports suggest a potential demotion to a technical advisor role. However, yesterday's loss, following a string of disappointing performances against Scottland and TelOne, has pushed the fans beyond their breaking point.

"It was a very good game for the fans, an exciting game of football where I saw a lot of commitment from the players," Chitembwe lamely offered after the match, his words failing to quell the rising tide of anger. "Unfortunately, we came out of it bruised, the result did not match the performance."

His attempts to explain away the team's defensive frailties, "We always try to play football the way it should be, but defensively, we were found wanting. It has been a big issue for us in recent matches. We have been conceding goals," rang hollow in the ears of the disillusioned supporters.

"This is Caps, when results don't come, there is always a reaction," Chitembwe admitted, a hint of resignation creeping into his voice. "It's normal, I have been here long enough to understand that. It is my responsibility to make sure the team wins. So this has not gone down well with the fans, not only the fans, even the players and myself, it has not gone down well with me."

The looming clash against Highlanders, a formidable opponent on their home turf, casts a dark shadow over Caps United's already precarious situation. "It's not going to get better; next week we play Highlanders, so we go back to the drawing board and plan for the next game," Chitembwe said, but the words lacked conviction.