Online Reporter
Bruce Chikuni
Sports Reporter
CAPS United winger, Tendai Matindife, has revealed how his wife, Tinotenda Sakara, has played a very big part in helping him regain his touch after he appeared to have wandered into a dark alley.
Matindife’s cause is also being helped by the support he is getting from coach Ian Bakala who has told him that he could be a star if the winger dedicates himself to his game and stops being distracted by things outside football.
The 24-year-old forward’s resurgence has been one of the key factors behind CAPS United’s two back-to-back victories.
Matindife has not been on the scoresheet yet this season but he has provided assists and has given CAPS United width, pace and trickery every time he has been introduced by Bakala as an impact substitute.
It’s a sign of how much things have changed for him that Matindife now gets a rousing welcome from the CAPS United fans every time he is thrown into the fray, usually in the second half.
CAPS United are traveling to Ngoni where they will meet leaders, MWOS, on Thursday.
It was at the same stadium where Matindife starred for the Green Machine, in an off-season friendly, which convinced the CAPS United leadership to give him a chance.
Matindife has credited the part which his wife and coach have played in his resurgence.
“Firstly, I would like to thank God and my wife because I wasn’t the player that I am right now in the first 10 games of the season.
“My wife stood by my side and pushed me to train alone, in my spare time, just to improve my game, fitness levels while I was waiting for my moment.
“Fortunately, coach Bakala has shown trust in me and it has given me confidence to express myself because I know he supports my efforts,” said Matindife.
CAPS United have picked eight points in five games under Bakala’s guidance.
Matindife believes the mood in the Green Machine camp is that they will end with some silverware this season despite the challenges they have faced.
“I played well the last time I was at Ngoni in my first game as a CAPS United player, I want to do more than that if I get the chance to play because the goal is to get maximum points.
“I just want the team to win a trophy this season because it has been long and I believe it is something we can achieve if we play to our coach’s instructions.
“As an individual, my goal is to improve my statistics and force my name among the best local players at the end of the season.”
