Johnson Progress

Barely two games into his tenure, Takesure Chiragwi has already carved his name into the hearts of the Caps United faithful.

The youthful coach has transformed the Green Machine into early pacesetters of the 2026 Premier Soccer League season after securing a second consecutive victory, this time a gritty 1-0 win over Herentals at Rufaro Stadium on Saturday.

The victory has ignited euphoria among the Makepekepe supporters, who have endured a difficult campaign last season.

Even before the final whistle, the stands reverberated with a new anthem dedicated to their emerging hero.

According to fans who gathered outside Rufaro Stadium after the match, the chant, “Nyarara Takesure, aye aye….Takey.., Nyarara Takesure,” was not just a post-match celebration but a soundtrack that had echoed from the first whistle to the last.

Supporters were seen beating drums and singing in unison, a clear indication that Chiragwi has instantly connected with the club’s demanding fanbase.

When asked about the spontaneous outpouring of love from the terraces, Chiragwi acknowledged the support but maintained a grounded perspective on his team’s flying start.

He said that while the appreciation from the fans is humbling, it is crucial to keep the momentum in perspective.

“It’s still in the early stages of the season. We can’t read much into these results. It’s still a long marathon,” the measured coach stated after the match.

Despite his cautious approach, the fans are refusing to contain their excitement.

For a support base that has seen lean times, the 100 percent start is a beacon of hope.

Speaking in unison after the final whistle, a group of ecstatic Makepekepe supporters expressed their renewed belief in the team’s title prospects.

They declared that this season belongs to them, voicing their confidence in the new technical bench.

“This is our season. With Takesure Chiragwi we are in good hands. We are going to clinch the league this year,” the fans proclaimed.

The match itself was settled by a moment of individual brilliance.

Obriel Chirinda emerged as the hero, his powerful first-half strike proving to be the solitary goal that separated the two sides and sent the Students packing.

As Caps United revel in their perfect start, the team must now shift focus quickly.

Having enjoyed the comforts of consecutive home games at Rufaro, Chiragwi’s men face their first away test of the season.

They are scheduled for a tricky midweek fixture against Triangle United at Gibbo Stadium on Wednesday.

Elsewhere in the league, other coaches found their winning formula

While Chiragwi celebrates a dream start, several other high-profile coaches in the league registered their first victories of the campaign on Saturday.

At Mandava Stadium, FC Platinum coach Joel Luphahla guided his charges to a commanding 2-0 victory over Manica Diamonds.

Reflecting on the breakthrough, Luphahla shared his thoughts on finally getting the first win under his belt at the new club.

He acknowledged that the result was a product of hard work on the training ground.

“We have been working on our finishing and organization, and it was good to see it pay off today,” he said.

Similarly, Tonderai Ndiraya secured his first win as Chicken Inn gaffer, his side defeating Triangle United 2-0.

In Kariba, new boys Hardrock, under the tutelage of Kelvin Kaindu, pulled off a resilient 1-0 away victory against ZPC Karibu, marking Kaindu’s first success with the club.

However, it was a case of another draw for veteran coach Lloyd Mutasa.

His MWOS side played out a 1-1 stalemate with TelOne at Ngoni Stadium.

This follows their goalless draw against FC Hunters last week, leaving Mutasa still searching for his first win of the season.