CAPS United warmed up for Sunday's must-win CAF Champions League clash against Zamalek in the worst possible manner after losing 2-0 to Yadah FC in a Zimbabwe Premier League midweek fixture.
Tuesday's setback caps a wretched spell for 'Makepekepe', who have managed just one win in their last five matches in all competitions as they struggle to reproduce anything like the form which propelled them to the title last term.
CAPS were virtually at full strength against Yadah, with midfielder Joel Ngodzo being restored to the starting XI in place of the underperforming Mathew Muchenje. There was also a welcome return for injury-prone Tafadzwa Rusike, while Carlton Munzabwa displaced much-maligned central defender Justin Jangano.
Yet the changes did little to inspire the anticipated resurgence as CAPS, fresh from a humiliating 4-2 defeat to Al Ahli Tripoli last week, played second fiddle to the top-flight debutants throughout.
Defender Jimmy Dzingai scored Yadah's first after just two minutes, and Munyaradzi Chiwara made victory certain with a second on 66 minutes.
It could have been worse for the CAPS, who had the referee to thank after a Denzel Savanhu strike was chalked off for offside on the hour-mark.
While CAPS' fourth-from-bottom position is largely a result of their having played fewer games than their rivals, a return of three wins in nine league matches clearly shows that their title defence has started on troubled note.
Chitembwe accepted responsibility for CAPS' woes in his post-match remarks and rightly so, with many feeling he did not do enough to strengthen his side in the off-season.
Of the new arrivals, only Ronald Chitiyo has done well. Young striker Antony Kambanje has hardly been afforded a look-in, while midfielder Cabby Kamhapa only enjoyed a couple of appearances at the start of the season.
It has been worse for defender Last Sithole and Chitembwe will have a hard time fending off criticism of his transfer policy, especially with rivals Dynamos surging up the standings on the back of some splendid performances from young new signings.
Chitembwe could also plead guilty to failure of fully utilising the squad at his disposal, with some players losing confidence after prolonged spells on the sidelines as the coach sticks with the same underperforming crop.
Muchenje has long been a suspect in midfield, while Bamusi has little to show by way of goals or assists for all the energy on the wing. Striker Abbas Amidu, meanwhile, has lost steam after some fine early season form.