HARARE Harare giants CAPS United continue to bolster their squad ahead of their CAF Confederations Cup campaign after signing two players from rivals Lengthens --veteran goalkeeper Muzondiwa Gonese and midfielder Ronald Sengu. CAPS United team manager Wilson Mutekede revealed to The Zimbabwean on Sunday that they had signed the duo whose talent is unquestionable but who have also become somewhat controversial after they were implicated in a fierce match-fixing row last year.
“I can confirm that we have signed Gonese and Sengu from Lengthens. They have always shown their interest to join us. It’s an exciting addition to our squad as we prepare for the African safari,” said Mutekede.
This means CAPS United, who have also added an international flavour to their squad after signing two Ghanaian players have beaten reigning league champions Gunners to Gonese’s signature. Gunners head coach Moses Chunga was also reportedly chasing the veteran goalkeeper.
Gonese and Sengu were accused of involvement in an alleged match-fixing scam
after they were seen coming out of CAPS United director Farai Jere’s office on the eve of a crucial league match between the two teams.
The duo did not play in that match in which Lengthens were soundly beaten 3-0 by their rivals. There was violence after the match as a Lengthens bouncer Timothy Mudheredhe manhandled Jere who was seated in the VIP enclosure at Rufaro Stadium accusing him of having bribed their players.
This sparked a fierce battle as CAPS supporters bayed for the blood of the man who had assaulted their director.
Police had to intervene to calm the situation while Mudheredhe and Jere were both taken to Mbare police station.
CAPS United, who have already registered Gonese and Sengu them for the African safari, have on paper a relatively easy hurdle as they face Mbambane Highlanders of Swaziland formerly coached by Zimbabwean Phillip Mbofana.
The Green Machine are likely to face South Africa’s Moroka Swallows in what will be the Battle of the Limpopo should they prevail over Mbambane Highlanders and Moroka Swallows see off Pamplemousse from Mauritius in the preliminary stages of the tournament.
Lengthens who are also preparing for the CAF Cup after winning the BancABC Sup8r knock out cup have already stepped up their preparations by conducting their first training session last week.
The Happy People will in their maiden appearance in a continental competition, face Madagascan outfit AS Adema at home on February 12.
Post published in: Football