Simba Mushati, Special to ESPN 7y

CAPS stun Platinum to ease relegation fears

CAPS United finally produced a performance befitting of their status as the Zimbabwe Premier League champions to stun title hopefuls FC Platinum 2-1 in a rescheduled match at Rufaro Stadium.

CAPS are often playing twice a week to reduce a massive fixture backlog accumulated during their participation in the Caf Champions League, but the increased workload is yet to translate into any positive change to their position in the table.

If anything, the Harare giants have struggled to recapture the magic of their title winning campaign and went into Wednesday's encounter after a run of just four wins in fifteen left them deep into relegation territory.

And when seasoned forward Charles Sibanda thrust Platinum into the lead in the opening five minutes, it looked as though Lloyd Chitembwe's team were headed for another disastrous afternoon.

Veteran striker Dominic Chungwa however soothed the worries with a 20th minute leveler off a Hardlife Zvirekwi corner-kick before returning defender Steven Makatuka netted the winner moments before the break to hand Platinum a second defeat of the season.

And while Chitembwe would gladly welcome victory against a top-four opponent, he will probably derive more inspiration from his team's impressive display and show of character.

The three points collected enabled CAPS to climb out of the relegation places into fourteenth, two points ahead of Hwange

Fourth-placed Platinum on the other hand missed a great chance to close the gap on leaders Ngezi, and Norman Mapeza's team will be under pressure for a quick rebound on their visit to Triangle on Sunday.

CAPS meanwhile face another mammoth assignment in the form of red-hot Ngezi, who come to Rufaro Stadium Saturday on the back of a four-match winning streak.

Chitembwe has tried to refresh up things since his team's Champions League exit, with players like John Zhuwawo, Kudzanai Nyamupfukudza, Joel Ngodzo and Dominic Chungwa now getting regular game time after being restricted to the sidelines early on.

In addition, the return of title winning centre-half Steven Makatuka following a short-lived stint in South Africa should solidify a defence that has conceded 21 goals in 16 league matches.

Weekend Fixtures

Saturday

Yadah vs. Chapungu, Black Rhinos vs. Chicken Inn, Bulawayo City vs. Harare City.

Sunday

CAPS United vs. Ngezi Platinum, Hwange vs. Bantu Rovers, Triangle vs. FC Platinum, Shabanie Mine vs. ZPC Kariba, How Mine vs. Dynamos, Highlanders vs. Tsholotsho.

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