CAPS United coach Takesure Chiragwi has praised young striker Junior Banisi after the 18-year-old made his debut and played a key role in earning a decisive penalty in the team’s 2-1 win over Dynamos.
Banisi, who was part of CAPS United’s pre-season touring squad in Malawi, was introduced as a substitute in the match and immediately influenced proceedings.
Kudzai Chigwida make stepped up with ice-cold precision, converting from the penalty spot to seal a 2-1 victory for CAPS United in a tense Harare Derby at Rufaro Stadium.
Chiragwi said the decision to trust young players in such a high-stakes match reflects their readiness to contribute at senior level.
“Last second we brought in the youngsters. His first debut and he created a penalty for the club,” he said.
“I think sometimes it’s good also to trust these youngsters. They can do wonders for you. And today we are happy because he’s one of the youngsters who has shown character in terms of how he wants to help the team. And we want to thank God for that.”
He added that derby matches often reveal emerging talent, noting that the intensity, pressure, and emotional weight of such fixtures tend to expose not just experience, but also character.
In his assessment, it is in these high-stakes environments where young players either struggle or announce themselves, and Banisi’s debut was an example of a player responding positively to the occasion rather than being overwhelmed by it.
“I always say, when you play the derby, that’s where the stars are born. And today, there’s a star that was born today, which is Junior Bernese. I’m happy with what he did,” Chiragwi said.
The Harare Derby at Rufaro Stadium saw Dynamos start strongly, winning early corners but failing to convert pressure into goals.
CAPS United gradually grew into the match and took the lead in the 10th minute through Ishmael Wadi, who finished from a Chawanangwa Kaonga corner.
Dynamos improved after halftime, especially after introducing Jairos Kasondo, who later equalised from the penalty spot in the 82nd minute following a foul on Perfect Chikwende.
However, the game swung again in stoppage time when CAPS United were awarded a penalty, and Chigwida held his nerve to convert and seal all three points.
The result moved CAPS United back to the top of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League table with 25 points, while Dynamos remained on 17 points after a tightly contested derby.
CAPS United coach,Takesure Chiragwi praises promising young striker Junior Banisi who debuted and created a penalty for CAPS United.
Kudzai Chigwidamake no mistakes and scoring from the spot for the Green Machine in stoppage time to seal a dramatic victory.
The 18-year-old was part of the its travelling squad for a pre-season tour of Malawi. Banisi, who plays as a centre forward, is not only making waves on the pitch but also excelling academically. He is a school prefect at Prince Edward School and a product of the PE Lions Football Academy, where he has been developed under the guidance of coach Taruvinga.
“Last second we brought in the youngsters. His first debut and he created a penalty for the club. And I think sometimes it’s good also to trust these youngsters. They can do wonders for you. And today we are happy because he’s one of the youngsters who has shown character in terms of how he wants to help the team. And we want to thank God for that.”
CAPS United beat Dynamos 2-1 to return to the top of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League table. The Harare Derby was played at Rufaro Stadium on Sunday afternoon in front of a packed venue.
The game started with the Glamour Boys dominating the pace in the early stages, forcing two corner kicks that yielded nothing.
CAPS United then began gaining composure, retaining more possession after the fifth-minute mark. Ishmael Wadi broke the deadlock in the 10th minute, connecting from a corner kick delivered by Chawanangwa Kaonga.
The goal proved to be the difference at the end of the first half. Dynamos introduced their top goalscorer, Jairos Kasondo, early in the second half, and the forward brought new energy, immediately forcing a save from CAPS United goalkeeper Wallace Magalane.
CAPS United, on the other end, also had two 1-v-1 chances but substitute Allen Mukombedzi failed to bury them both. After a lengthy search for an equaliser, Kasondo finally found it in the 82nd minute after converting a penalty following Nyasha Gurende’s foul on Perfect Chikwende.
However, the parity did not last long, with Kudzai Chigwida scoring from the spot for the Green Machine in stoppage time to seal a dramatic victory.
The result moved CAPS United back to the top of the table with 25 points, while Dynamos dropped to seventh place with 17 points.
