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Grace Chingoma and Takudzwa Chitsiga Sports Reporters
Caps United coach Mark Harrison insists he will not exert pressure on his team to beat bitter rivals Dynamos when the two giants clash in the Bob 91 Super Cup at Rufaro tomorrow but focus his attention on ensuring that the game boosts his side’s preparations. Harrison said he is aware that derby meetings between Caps United and Dynamos also came with the bragging rights in the capital but his chief mission at the Green Machine at the moment was to prepare a competitive squad for the 2015 marathon.

The former Black Loepards coach said his team’s preparations were still lagging behind the levels he wants them to attain.

“The players have been working hard this week and they’re looking good.

“We would like to win the match that goes without saying. You want to win every game that you play.

“But at the end of the day you’ve to keep perspective on it. It’s still a pre-season game.

“Yes there is money at stake and yes there is the bragging rights I guess between Dynamos and Caps United .

“But at the end of the day it’s still pre-season so we’ve to take that into account,” he said.

The English mentor said his biggest advantage since he arrived is that he has managed to have an opportunity to play the so called big teams during the pre season.

This has helped him to quickly settle and have an idea on what to expect this season.

He also believes that Zimbabwe’s sole representatives in continental football FC Platinum are a good side and is already relishing a match against them.

“It’s been interesting. Obviously playing against Dynamos and Highlanders and then we play against Dynamos again.

“It’s been good because it gives me a chance to get a yardstick for Caps against the supposedly best teams in the league.

“So it gives me an idea of where we are and where we need to go.

“It’s an advantage to play those teams. It’s highly competitive and it helps with big crowds and great atmospheres.

“The players have to adapt to the atmosphere and to the pressure of those games.

“It also gives a gauge on how far we are and where we need to go. Obviously it would also be nice to play Platinum as I consider them to be quite strong this year,” said Harrison.

Harrison has been working with Caps United players for the past three weeks, having had to wait for the immigration formalities in order to secure a work permit.

The Englishman also felt the delay in the start of the Premiership season had been a blessing in disguise for Caps United .

Going into the weekend’s match, Harrison said he would not tamper much with the team which played in Bulawayo.

“The core of the team will sort of remain the same. But we will look at one or two different players in different areas.

“Maybe we might look at different shape as well at the same time and we will see what comes,” he said.

Dynamos on their part maintain that they have already put behind their defeat to their rivals in the Sino-Zimbabwe Challenge Cup at the same venue two weeks ago.

DeMbare believe jitters on the part of their new acquisitions contributed to their 6-5 penalty shoot-out defeat to Caps United .

The Premiership champions have been boosted by the return of such key players like Ronald Chitiyo who has extended his Dynamos stay and Stephen Alimenda.

Seasoned defender Ocean Mushure is also back from injury.

Dynamos team manager Richard Chihoro said they are not taking the game lightly and will give Caps United a good run.

“The return of Steven Alimenda and Ocean Mushure from injury is a morale boost for us as a team.

“After being defeated in the penalties by Caps in the Sino-Zimbabwe challenge I think this will be a different ball game altogether and I believe we will win this tie.

“The presence of experienced players in Alimenda and Mushure has brought high morale in camp. As you know every derby no-one wants to lose we’re going to play hard for a positive result and as of now all the players are ready for selection as there are no injuries to worry about,’’ said Chihoro.

The two Harare Giants will meet again barely two weeks after another clash.