CAPS United coach Lloyd Chitembwe credited fatigue for their 2-0 defeat to Dynamos in the Charity Challenge Cup on Sunday.

The Green Machine conceded two first-half goals and failed to recover, losing the match to their bitter rivals. The players had spent almost two weeks refusing to train, demanding their outstanding dues.

United have also not played any practice match ever since the team regrouped for the new season.

Chitembwe told reporters after the match that he is hoping his charges should be ready by the start of the season that is if they get more games.

“It’s down to lack of match fitness and resilience,” he said. “We have been training for almost four to five weeks without playing, and this is our first match. But if we get three or four games by March 30, we should be ready.”

“It was a good practice match, and there are a lot of positive things we have seen.”

CAPS United fielded some of their new signings including former Highlanders duo of Gabriel Nyoni and Newman Sianchali, Blessing Sarupinda, Clive Rupiya and returnee Phineas Bhamusi.