CAPS United endured a testing campaign last season, spending much of the early part of the season flirting with the relegation zone before a strong late surge helped them steady the ship and secure a comfortable mid-table finish.
Grand Legacy FC coach Willard Katsande now believes the Green Machine may already be pulling away from the rest of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League pack.
While several title contenders are still searching for identity and rhythm, Katsande believes CAPS quietly laid the foundation for a serious championship push long before the spotlight returned to them.
“I think CAPS United did their business quietly,” Katsande said.
Behind the scenes, the green machine reshaped more than just the dressing room. A new technical team arrived with a defined philosophy, and recruitment targeted players capable of fitting seamlessly into that system rather than simply adding big names.
“They brought in a new coach, and the new coach also made some good signings, players who understand his philosophy,” he said.
“They were looking to build something that would hit the ground running as quickly as possible.”
One of the clearest indicators, Katsande revealed, came during CAPS United’s pre-season tour of Malawi, where the club strengthened its squad with Lloyd Njaliwa and Chawanangwa Kaonga who have already made an immediate impact.
“And I’m not surprised because, if you look at their tour to Malawi, they managed to sign two players who are doing well at the moment,” he added.
Katsande’s assessment paints a worrying picture for CAPS United’s rivals, who are still experimenting with combinations, adapting to new coaches and searching for consistency, but CAPS appear further ahead in the cycle.
“I think CAPS are one step ahead of everybody because everyone else is still trying to find their feet and rhythm,” Katsande said.
“Like we spoke about Simba Bhora, they are still trying to get their rhythm, but CAPS started on the front foot.”
Perhaps most striking is Katsande’s suggestion that CAPS United’s resurgence has happened largely unnoticed. Scarred by last season’s struggles, many observers underestimated the scale of the club’s rebuild until results began demanding attention.
“You also have to credit the coach for his recruitment. Nobody was focusing on them because of last season’s results, but now everybody is waking up and saying CAPS are there,” he said.
For Katsande, the danger for the rest of the league is not just CAPS United’s current form, but the possibility that the team is still evolving while already producing results.
“For me, they had a good advantage in terms of everything. By the time everybody else fully understands their coach’s philosophy, it will already be the second round of the season, and I’m sure CAPS will be far ahead of the pack.”
CAPS United and Hardrock FC are level at the top of the table on 27 points after 13 matches, with identical records of eight wins, three draws and two defeats apiece.
Hardrock FC lead the standings on goal difference, boasting a +14 return after scoring 21 goals and conceding seven, while CAPS United sit second with a +8 goal difference, having scored 17 and conceded nine.
