CAPS Utd celebrate Golden Jubilee

Zim Now Writer

Harare side CAPS United, without doubt one of the biggest clubs in the country alongside Dynamos and Highlanders, are celebrating their Golden Jubilee this year to mark 50 years in existence.

Makepekepe, as they are popularly known, came into existence in 1973 although there are others who argue they were formed in 1967 as a recreational club.

Whatever arguments may arise over their actual formation date, CAPS United produced some of the country’s best players over the years, including Shaky Tauro, Joel Shambo, Stanley Ndunduma, Stix Mtizwa, Friday Phiri, Joe Mugabe, Lloyd Chitembwe, Carlos Max, Alois Bunjira and Steward Murisa among others.

The Harare team are planning to hold several events this year as a way of celebrating their 50th anniversary. They are also planning to host various activities such as the CAPS United Golf Day.

CAPS United chief executive, Charlie Jones, said he will release the main programme for the celebrations this week.

The team has had great moments too, winning the league with the trailblazing Class of 1979, Steve Kwashi’s “Immortals’’ of 1996, Charles Mhlauri’s back-to-back champions in 2004 and 2005, as well as Lloyd Chitembwe’s conquerors of 2016.

Besides Makepekepe, CAPS United are also referred to as the Cup Kings, the Green Machine, Shaisa Mufaro and the Manchester Road Boys, by virtue of the fact that their original parent company, pharmaceutical concern CAPS Holdings is located on Manchester Road in the Southerton Industrial area.

At one point, the title Cup Kings was befitting as they won the Castle, Zifa or CBZ Cup nine times in 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1989, 1992, 1997, 2004 and 2008.

CAPS United, whose home ground used to be the Gwanzura Stadium in Highfield, have shifted base to the National Sports Stadium following the condemnation of the Highfield venue.