CAPS United's league title challenge is being blamed on growing divisions within the dressing room, with sources alleging that internal factions and dissatisfaction over team selection have created an unhealthy atmosphere at the Green Machine.

Information gathered by ZimNow indicates that some players have become frustrated with head coach Takesure Chiragwi, accusing him of favouring players he previously worked with at Ngezi Platinum Stars at the expense of those who were already at CAPS United before his arrival.

A source within the CAPS United squad told ZimNow that the divisions have now spilled onto the pitch, affecting performances during matches.

"There is a lot of division in the team. Players now have the mentality of deciding who to pass to and who not to pass to. We don't know how this can be solved, but it depends on the coach because he is the one at the helm," said the source.

"People think it is a lack of communication during games, but sometimes it is done deliberately."

The revelations come as Makepekepe's title ambitions continue to unravel following a string of disappointing results. Defeats to FC Hunters and TelOne, two clubs battling to avoid relegation, have intensified scrutiny on Chiragwi.

The poor run has also placed fresh pressure on club president Farai Jere, who recently took the drastic decision to remove goalkeeper Wallace Magalane from the first team after publicly accusing him of making repeated costly mistakes that did not fit into the club's "project."

"At the CAPS United project, we don't tolerate that. We don't want to see the boy near this project. He will be getting his salary while at home," Jere said while unveiling veteran goalkeeper Washington Arubi.

Jere's remarks reflected a leadership philosophy built around accountability and high performance. However, while he acted swiftly to address what he viewed as weaknesses in the goalkeeping department, the club's biggest challenge may now lie within the dressing room rather than between the posts.

Arubi's arrival has failed to halt the decline, with CAPS United continuing to surrender crucial points despite strengthening the squad during the mid-season transfer window.

Supporters have increasingly questioned whether changing personnel alone can solve problems that appear to be rooted in a lack of team cohesion.

Reacting to the team's recent poor run, CAPS United supporter Chris Mupambo said the numbers painted a worrying picture.

"The record over the past five games hasn't been good at all. Two consecutive losses, one win in between, and two draws - five points out of a possible 15. That's beyond mediocre, to say the least. Jere, do as you said."

Another supporter, Gerald, suggested the goalkeeper had unfairly carried the blame for broader problems.

"You thought the previous goalkeeper was the problem? Shamhu ngainyatsorove kusvika madzosa mwana mu team and you make things right."

The latest developments also cast the spotlight on Chiragwi's man-management skills. While tactical shortcomings can be corrected on the training ground, restoring trust inside a divided dressing room is often far more difficult.

Meanwhile, speculation surrounding Chiragwi's future continues to gather momentum.

Sports blogger Makomborero "Mako" Mutimukulu has claimed that South African coach Thabo Senong is on the verge of joining CAPS United following his unsuccessful stint at Highlanders.

"His name is Thabo Senong. Mwana waNelia can tell you that the South African coach that Bosso did dirty is coming back in green this week. If you want to say paivepo, do so," wrote Mutimukulu.

Neither CAPS United nor Senong has commented on the reports.