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From Paul Mundandi in Zvishavane
Shabanie Mine 0-0 Caps United
CAPS United blew a chance to go on top of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League log table when they were held by an otherwise uninspired Shabanie Mine at Maglas yesterday.
With ZPC Kariba tasting defeat for the first time this season when being thumped 3-0 by Chapungu at Ascot, Caps United could not find their range and they remained in third position with 34 points from 20 games.

Shabanie who are in danger of relegation are in a lowly 13th place with 23 points from 20 games.
To worsen their plight, the asbestos miners’ coach John Phiri who had been given a one-match ultimatum also hinted that he was considering throwing in the towel following a dismal run of form by his team.

“I am going to make the decision tonight. I have to decide for my future and the people in the executive are always crying. We lost 12 players and I am still trying to build another team. Coming to the game the whistle disrupted play. We failed to take our chances and failed to put the ball behind the nets,” said Phiri.

Caps United could have found the target when former Shabanie son Pervington Zimunya robbed Rodney Mware in the box in the 46th minute but with goalkeeper Victor Twaliki to beat he skied his effort.

That was only the meaningful attempt from the Green Machine. A minute later former Motor Action striker Carlos Messi was left cursing himself after he failed to put away a glorious chance that came his way following a move from the left by Terrence Majo.

Stocky Allen Tavariswa also found himself with goalkeeper Tafadzwa Dube to beat, but with a yawning goal in front of him he chose to direct his effort to the terraces when it looked harder to miss than to score.

Tavarwisa was at fault again when he dribbled past Caps United defenders and with Dube drawn out he directed his effort into the side net.
While the Shabanie strikers were wasting chances right-back Smart Muchabaiwa did not help matters either as he made some mistakes at the back which could have cost the miners had the Caps United forwards been more alert. But veteran defender Zvenyika Makonese, Wellington Kamudyariwa, Majo and Twaliki were outstanding for the hosts and ensured Shabanie maintained their good home record against Caps United.

Shabanie have only lost once at home to Caps United since 2004 when Charles Mhlauri’s trailblazing side won 1-0 through a Brian Badza strike.

Despite being held yesterday, Caps United assistant coach Mike “Dread” Madzivanyika said he was happy with the point collected away from home.