CAPS United head coach Ian Bakala has pinned the club’s dismal form on injuries, as the Green Machine teeters dangerously close to the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) relegation zone.
Bakala, who took over in May from long-serving Lloyd Chitembwe to rescue CAPS’ fortunes, watched his side suffer a 2-0 defeat to Yadah Stars at Rufaro last Sunday, their 11th loss of the season.
The team has managed just four points from a possible 15 in their last five league outings, leaving them in 12th place with 28 points, just a point above third-from-bottom Manica Diamonds.
CAPS face a stern test on Sunday when they travel to Mandava Stadium to take on four-time champions FC Platinum.
Speaking to Zimpapers Sport, Bakala expressed confidence that once his injured stars return, the team will rebound and start climbing the PSL table.
Said Bakala:
“Look, when I took this job in May, we were 15th and staring down the barrel. The situation is still serious, we are back in the relegation zone, but I am not blind to the improvements we are making.
“What people on the outside don’t see is the injury crisis. For a month now, it’s been a new player every match.
“Players coming in and out of the team due to injuries makes us unbalanced. The fight is still there, and once we have a full squad, I am confident we will climb.”
He also acknowledged the pressure that’s been piling on CAPS United. Said Bakala:
“The pressure is getting to everyone, and mistakes are happening.
“Six goals in three games is not the CAPS United way. It doesn’t help that I haven’t been able to pick the same back four twice because of these injuries.
“We will go back, work on the basics, and be harder to beat in the next fixture. That is a promise to the fans.”
