HARARE - Caps United captain Tapiwa Kumbuyani has dedicated Makepekepe’s 2-0 victory over Buffaloes in the quarterfinals of the Mbada Diamonds Cup on Saturday to bereaved striker Leonard Fiyado, who lost his brother.

Fiyado’s brother, Lloyd, who was based in Mozambique, passed away in Harare on Friday but the club management decided not to notify the striker, who had already arrived in Triangle with the rest of his teammates.

The CAPS striker only got to know of the death of his 34-year old brother on Saturday night after he had played the entire match against the Mutare soldiers at Gibbo Stadium.

“The coaches only let me know of the death after the match which was a wise decision because I wouldn’t have concentrated on the match if I had known of his sad death,” Fiyado told the daily News yesterday.

“As I was playing I just had a feeling that something was wrong but couldn’t put a finger to it. When the news of Lloyd’s death was revealed I automatically knew why I had felt so low during the match.”

Makepekepe skipper Kumbuyani, whose inspirational performance helped United reach the semifinals, expressed shock at the death of his teammate’s brother.

“This is a very sad moment for us as the CAPS United family. Leonard is one of us; a very committed player for the team no wonder why every player is feeling for him,” Kumbuyani said.

“We dedicate our victory over Buffaloes to Fiyado. We know he is strong and we are sure that God will help him cope with his loss.”

Upon their return from Triangle yesterday, the entire CAPS delegation went to pay their condolences to the Fiyado family in Mufakose.

Meanwhile, CAPS United coach Taurai Mangwiro, though happy to have beaten Buffaloes, is determined to end his strikers’ wastefulness in front of goal.

“The good part is we are creating the chances but we have to keep working on rectifying our shortcomings in front of goal if we are to realise our dream of winning the Mbada Diamonds Cup,” said the former Monomotapa coach.

United dominated the entire match and could have gone on to win by a wider margin but poor finishing in front of goal was their major weakness.

The ailing Harare giants got their two goals from Kumbuyani’s first half free kick and a late own goal from Buffaloes substitute Jeffrey Takunda.    

Conspicuous by his absence at Gibbo Stadium was striker Evans Gwekwerere who has reportedly gone club-hunting in Botswana.

Mangwiro could neither deny nor confirm the development.

“In fact Evans phoned me just before the game with Buffaloes and wished the team well. He was not just part of the final 18,” he said.