BULAWAYO -  Caps United right-sided midfielder Hardlife Zvirekwi may be a bit on the short side, but he definitely stood head and shoulders above the rest in his team’s 2-1 victory over Castle Premiership newcomers How Mine at Luveve Stadium on Sunday.

Zvirekwi played a pivotal role in Makepekepe’s third victory of the season by providing the assist for the opening goal and then capped a fine performance by converting a free kick to secure the maximum points. Dynamite

For his side’s opener, Zvirekwi took advantage of some poor decision making by How Mine left-back Khumbulani Banda.  

Former Bantu Rovers, Dynamos and FC Platinum player Banda let a long ball from his CAPS counterpart Ronald Pfumbidzai sail over his head without checking if there was any danger on the blind side and Zvirekwi controlled the ball before crossing for Dominic Chungwa to bundle the ball home.

Zvirekwi then supplied another defence splitting pass for former Monomotapa linkman Joseph Mutambiranwa’s effort as CAPS sought to consolidate their lead on 40 minutes.

Mutambiranwa, however, did not do justice to Zvirekwi’s pass as he shot straight at How Mine keeper Nonjabulo Dube.

The Warriors fringe player, who is also at home playing at right back, proved to be quite a handful for the hosts’ defence as he did not stick to his position on the right flank and would pop up all over the pitch.

This versatility led to his being fouled on the left flank by How Mine defender Brighton Dube as he was charging towards goal in the second half.

Zvirekwi picked himself up and struck a beautiful free kick past How Mine keeper Dube, who was left a bemused spectator.

United held on to bag the maximum points despite concerted efforts by How Mine to draw level and credit must go to Zvirekwi for his all round performance that kept the gold miners’ defence on their toes.

The former Gunners star is definitely the leading light in a side that is yet to gel into a formidable unit that can match the legendary CAPS sides of yesteryear. - Sakheleni Nxumalo