CAPS United head coach Ian Bakala expressed satisfaction at avoiding defeat in the Harare derby against Dynamos Football Club, preserving his unbeaten record both as a player and now as a coach.

Makepekepe played to a 1-1 draw on Sunday afternoon in a Week 12 Zimbabwean Premier Soccer League fixture.

The result moved CAPS United up to 14th place on the league table with 10 points.

In a post-match interview, Bakala praised his team’s resilience in what was his first derby as a coach.

Bakala acknowledged that the team’s objective had been to secure all three points.

“I’m very glad that they showed what we did in training. I just wanted to beat them; I have never lost to Dynamos as a player,” Bakala said.

“As a coach I just wanted to beat them, but it’s a game I can’t compare myself and the current team to; they are just coming up in the game.”

He emphasised his desire to build a team that consistently creates and converts chances.

“I pick the team on merit, so players will have to work hard. Everyone wants to prove because I am new here; they are training hard,” he said.

“Everyone is fighting at the moment; for one to play, they have to work extra hard. It’s time for them to know what CAPS needs, and I think they are catching up, but there is unity and love. We are working to start winning games, and we are pushing so that it comes so quickly.”

Bakala noted that while the team has shown improvement, there is still work to be done in all areas.

“There’s improvement, but we need to work on scoring the same as at the back; we need to work on it. Every department is important.”

CAPS United will face Simba Bhora in their next match, and Bakala is optimistic about securing a favourable outcome.

“I watched how they play; it’s going to be a good game, but for us, the way they performed today in the coming game, we will get a positive result.”

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