By Flata Kavinga
A passionate CAPS United supporter from Kwekwe has called on football fans to reject violence and embrace sportsmanship when Hardrock FC hosts CAPS United in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Chahwanda Stadium on Sunday.
Zephenia Chigarire, who described himself as a long-time CAPS United supporter, said he was excited that the Harare giants would be playing in Kwekwe for the first time in about 15 years, having previously travelled to other towns to watch his team in action.
“I am just happy that CAPS United is coming back to Kwekwe after 15 years. I used to travel outside Kwekwe to watch my favourite team play,” Chigarire said.
He urged supporters of both clubs to attend the fixture peacefully, saying football should unite communities rather than divide them.
“Chahwanda Stadium is not a battleground. It’s not a war zone. It is just a football pitch. Every football-loving fan must go to Chahwanda Stadium without any fears of violence. We attend football matches for enjoyment. We say no to hooliganism, vandalism, tribalism and violence,” he said.
Chigarire said supporters should freely back the teams of their choice while respecting one another regardless of the result.
“Let’s put emotions aside and support our teams. After 90 minutes we will be socialising together at shopping centres,” he said.
He also said CAPS United supporters should wear the club’s colours and gather at Mbizo 4 Shopping Centre before travelling together to the stadium.
While acknowledging that Hardrock could earn a draw with a strong performance, Chigarire predicted a 2-1 victory for CAPS United, saying striker Ismael Wadi would score both goals.
He also said the scenes that led to the abandonment of the earlier league match between Hardrock FC and Dynamos should never be repeated, adding that CAPS United supporters discourage violence and cooperate with authorities by identifying those who engage in misconduct.
Meanwhile, Hardrock FC supporter Lawrence Ndelemani also appealed for peaceful conduct from fans while rallying home supporters to fill Chahwanda Stadium.
“As a Hardrock supporter, I urge fans to attend the match in their numbers. We don’t tolerate violence. CAPS United is not an underdog; it is a big team that is winning matches,” he said.
Ndelemani expressed confidence that Hardrock would bounce back after losing the first-round meeting between the two sides.
He predicted a 2-0 victory for Hardrock, saying Washington Navaya and Tinashe Mashaireni would score, although he acknowledged the hosts could face a difficult contest and might have to settle for a narrow 1-0 win.
The match is expected to attract a large crowd, with both sets of supporters expressing optimism about their teams’ chances while jointly calling for a peaceful atmosphere throughout the fixture.
