CAPS United president Farai Jere has confirmed that he will not raise the players’ winning bonuses ahead of their high-stakes encounter with current league leaders MWOS, dismissing the opponents as a “small team.”
Although Jere will miss tomorrow’s showdown at Ngoni Stadium due to parliamentary duties in Europe, he made it clear he will be monitoring the match closely.
Despite MWOS remaining unbeaten this season, Jere maintained that CAPS United only offers increased match bonuses when facing their traditional rivals, Dynamos or Highlanders.
Speaking to the players at a training session, Jere emphasized CAPS United’s stature.
“MWOS may be in good form, but that does not elevate them to the status of a big club. CAPS United remains the more prominent brand.
We recognize their performances, but there’s no justification to alter our current bonus structure.”
He added that the US$500 winning bonus would stay unchanged, as the club reserves special incentives for marquee matchups.
“So far, we have only lost to Highlanders and TelOne, both on the road,” he noted.
Meanwhile, MWOS midfielder Tinotenda Mutyambizi will be looking to make a statement against his former side, CAPS United, who rejected him years ago due to concerns over his height.
It has taken the 24-year-old four seasons and stints at clubs like Yadah, Triangle, and Harare City to prove his worth, and now he stands as a key figure in MWOS’s midfield trio alongside Mathew Murambiwa and Malvin Mudzuka.
The encounter will also see Mutyambizi face childhood friend and former trial partner Tanaka Shandirwa, who rejoined Makepekepe this season after shining at Yadah and Dynamos.
The two midfielders hail from PWD in Highfield, a tough neighborhood known for producing resilient players.
Shandirwa, returning from suspension, is expected to re-link with Kundai Benyu in CAPS United’s midfield. He expressed enthusiasm about the fixture.
“Of course, it’s disappointing to miss games, but the break gave me a chance to recharge. Playing against Mutyambizi will be special. We once dreamed of lining up together for CAPS, but fate had different plans.”
League leaders MWOS head into the game with 31 points from 15 matches, while CAPS United arrive in good spirits, riding a two-game winning streak under coach Ian Bakala.
Shandirwa urged fans to rally behind the team.
“We’re pushing for a strong performance. We want the fans to show up and support us as we aim for a positive result.”
