The Castle Lager Premier Soccer League has seen contrasting fortunes for Highlanders and CAPS United as the season progresses. Highlanders, under new coach Benjani Mwaruwari, have yet to secure a victory, drawing all three of their opening matches. This has left them with only three points, a situation that Mwaruwari describes as becoming “draw specialists.” He expressed concern, stating, “If we have three points from three matches, it’s like two games lost. We need to get better.”
In stark contrast, CAPS United has made a strong start to the season, winning two of their first three matches. Their latest victory came against Triangle United, where Malawian international Chawananga Kaonga scored the only goal, securing a 1-0 win. This result has propelled CAPS United to the top of the league table with nine points.
Highlanders’ struggles are compounded by their inability to find the back of the net, as they have registered three consecutive goalless draws. Mwaruwari noted a silver lining, mentioning, “One thing I’m happy with is this is our first clean sheet,” indicating a defensive improvement despite the lack of offensive output.
The league’s dynamics are further influenced by the upcoming CAF African Schools Football Championship, which Zimbabwe will host from April 2 to 10, 2026. The championship offers significant prize money, with the winners set to receive USD 300,000, runners-up USD 200,000, and third-place finishers USD 150,000. This lucrative prize structure is part of CAF’s broader initiative to invest in grassroots football.
As Highlanders look to turn their season around, the pressure mounts on Mwaruwari to find solutions that can translate their draws into wins. Meanwhile, CAPS United will aim to maintain their momentum and capitalize on their strong start to the season.
With the league still in its early stages, the outcomes of upcoming matches will be crucial for both teams. Highlanders need to address their scoring issues, while CAPS United seeks to solidify their position at the top.
As the season unfolds, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Highlanders can break their winless streak and if CAPS United can continue their impressive form.