CAPS United got a measure of their readiness to take on Africa when they went down 2-0 to visiting African Champions TP Mazembe of the Democratic Republic of Congo in a friendly on Tuesday.
United, Zimbabwe’s representatives in the African Confederations Cup, play Swaziland’s Mbabane Highlanders in the first round on Saturday.
Coach Lloyd Chitembwe refused to see Tuesday’s defeat as a setback.
He said: “I think it was a good practice match. The whole idea of this friendly match was to try combinations and to give the boys a feel of playing against the champions.
“We learnt a lot and I am confident that we will be ready for Mbabane on Saturday.”
Mazembe’s French coach Diego Gazito was sent off by Harare referee Ruzive Ruzive in the second half for insulting the match official.
Gazito sat out a large part of the second half on the terraces but watched as goals by Zambian Mwanza and skipper Tressor Mputu sealed the win.
United went into the match buoyed by their success in a weekend four-team tourney also featuring Gunners, Dynamos and Lengthens – all representing Zimbabwe on the continent.
United beat Lengthens 4-1 in the semi-final and thrashed Dynamos 3-0 in the final of the mini-tournament dubbed the Africa Safari Challenge. The tournament was organised to raise money for the four teams.
TP Mazembe flew into Harare on Monday to start their pre-season training.
They are scheduled to play other friendly matches with some Harare-based teams.