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Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter—
CAPS United Football Club president Twine Phiri has put his ailing club up for sale with sources last night saying a Bulawayo-based businessman has expressed interest in bringing the Green Machine to the city. When contacted last night, the businessman could neither deny nor confirm his interest. “Call me tomorrow (today) morning and I will tell you everything,” he said.

Speaking on StarFM radio on Wednesday evening, Phiri, who is also the Premier Soccer League president, said time was now up for him to take a rest.

Asked a direct question on whether he was prepared to sell the 1979, 1996, 2004 and 2005 league champions, Phiri said:

“Yes, yes, yes, yes, this is why I’m saying let those who want to assist come forward. And you know what, it is not today or yesterday that I have thought about this, it’s three years ago when I said I need to rest.”

He, however, remained confident that the club will not collapse despite the financial difficulties it is grappling with, saying while also ready to sell, he was busy hunting for sponsors.

“The plan is there on the table, Caps will be there and we are going to participate and ask me by the 31st of this month the players would have been paid. Right now we are busy looking for sponsors to come and help. Trust me I’m not the only one who is struggling,” said Phiri.

Head coach Mark Harrison recently lifted the lid on the gravity of the problems when he said the club faced imminent collapse.

Formed in 1973, the team rose to prominence in the late 1970s and early 1980s when it was home to some of the finest Zimbabwean players. These include the feted striker Shacky “Mr Goals” Tauro, the late Stanley “Sinyo” Ndunduma, Joel “Jubilee” Shambo, Stanford “Stix” Mtizwa, Friday “Breakdown” Phiri, Clever Muzuva, Size Torindo and Brenna Msiska.

During this period, Caps United got the nickname “Cup Kings” as they virtually monopolised the league championship to knockout tournaments like Chibuku Trophy, Rosebowl Charity Shield and the Independence Trophy.

Apart from the fine brand of players cooked from the Makepekepe pot, the club has also been home to a great breed of coaches like treble winning Charles Mhlauri, Rahman Gumbo, Taurai Mangwiro and Steve Kwashi.

Caps United’s roll of honour

CBZ Cup: one (2008)

ABC Super 8 Challenge: One (2008)

Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League: Four (1979, 1996, 2004, 2005)

Zimbabwean Cup: Nine (1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1992,

1997, 1998, 2004, 2008)

Zimbabwe Independece Trophy: Four (1992, 1993, 1996, 1997)

Zimbabwe Charity Shield: One (1996)

Defence Forces Charity Shield: One (2013)

Zambezi Challenge Cup-Malawi: One (2014)