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Eddie Chikamhi in ALGIERS, Algeria
Caps United flew into this Mediterranean coastal city yesterday for their do-or-die mission and found out that they are not walking alone in this adventure with the Government rallying behind the Green Machine to win and make history.

Makepekepe play USM Alger in a Caf Champions League match tomorrow night which they need to win to qualify for the quarter-finals for the first time.

The Green Machine, whose journey first took them into Europe where they landed in Rome in transit before they flew back onto the continent, have been assured of support from the Zimbabwean community resident in the country which has been mobilised by the country’s Embassy in Algiers.

Zimbabwe’s ambassador to Algeria, Edwin George Mandaza, said there are about 400 Zimbabweans studying in Algeria and the students have been handy each time local teams visit this North African country.

Mandaza, who accompanied the USM Alger staff to welcome Makepekepe on their arrival, said the Green Machine should stay focused.

“It promises to be a competitive match but they can’t come all the way from Zimbabwe just to lose. Personally, I don’t expect anything other than a win for Caps United,” said Mandaza.

”They have come a long way. In fact they don’t have an option but to win this match if they are to go to the quarter-finals.

“So we are trying our best to mobilise the Zimbabwean community resident here to support the team because we expect a huge crowd for the hosts.

“There are three big teams in this city and what these guys do is that when one of the teams is representing the nation they come together and put aside their different persuasions.

“Caps United also should brace for the hot temperatures. We are currently at the height of summer here so temperatures usually range between 35 degrees Celsius to 40 degrees Celsius.

“It doesn’t matter what time of day it is. Also the humidity is taxing. That is why the match has to kick off late. They cannot play it any other time.”

Soaring temperatures and the characteristic humid conditions of the Mediterranean summer greeted Caps United on their arrival here yesterday.

With the day temperatures hovering above 35 degrees Celsius, team doctor Nicholas Munyonga was mobilising players to take lots of fluids.

The players were immediately given rest after a taxing 19-hour flight that took them through Addis Ababa and Rome, Italy, ahead of tomorrow night’s kickoff at the July 5 Stadium in Algiers.

Attacking midfielder Tafadzwa Rusike was in buoyant mood .

Rusike, who was the chief architect when Makepekepe beat the Algerians 2-1 at the National Sports Stadium in the reverse fixture, is fit from the nagging injuries and has promised the fans back home a good fight.

“As for me, I think I am prepared for each and every game. I am always ready and we have been talking as players, strengthening one another ahead of this clash and I am sure everyone is up for this game.

“And if we maintain the same attitude that we had in that match against Zamalek, I am sure we will stand a good chance. We would want more effort again from all of us,” said Rusike.

Makepekepe are currently third in the log standings with only two teams expected to grab the quarter-final places.

Their opponents USM Alger lead the race with eight points together with second-placed Ahli Tripoli.

Unlike Caps United who need an outright win, a draw would suffice for the Algerians.

Caps United revived their bid when they shocked Zamalek last Sunday and the win still has some evident feel good effects on the Green Machine players.

“A good start will be ideal in this game because it sets the tone for the rest of the 90 minutes. I’m sure this Alger side is a good team because they are top of the table. This doesn’t promise to be an easy match but we don’t have to be cowed either by that or by their supporters.

“It requires us to fight hard as a team from the start to the finish. It’s the only chance that is left for us to reach the quarter finals.”

Caps United were shaken a bit after one of their key performers in this tournament Ronald Pfumbidzai suffered a fever on the flight.

Assistant coach Fungai Kwashi however said the fullback was recovering well.

Kwashi said they had to give the players rest upon arrival yesterday and then take up training in the evening. They have another training session at the match venue exactly 24 hours before kick-off.

“We need to acclimatise and hopefully we will be okay by Sunday. At this stage we need to be intelligent, we need to know which moments to do things, there is no need for emotions.

“We have to be organised and to be compact. This is a must-win game,” said Kwashi.

Caps United’s flight to Algeria cost in excess of $75 000 and club president Farai Jere is expected to join the team tonight.