adminjuniors ‘coach at CAPS United before he was elevated to the first team, is now heading the technical department at Triangle and has recruited nearly a half a dozen players with links at the 2004 and 2005 league champions.
Former CAPS United captains, Limited Chikafa and Maketo David Sengu, are now at Triangle while Courage Denias, Tineyi Meda and Silas Chihota passed through CAPS United.
It’s a fair guess to suggest that a Zimbabwean, who left the country in 2006 and closed himself from all domestic football matters, will be tempted, if he were to suddenly reconnect with the game at Gibo on Sunday, to believe that Triangle are, infact, CAPS United.
There is little, in the current Green Machine playing staff, to link them to the time when they were champions.
Triangle have picked up four points in their last two matches, which has given them a spring in their step, and Ntini is hopeful that they will continue with their fine form against the Green Machine.
“I think we have done well in the last two games where we have managed to pick four points. It was a good result for us,” said Ntini.
Triangle were held to a 2-2 draw by Monomotapa at Gibbo before they edged Hwange 1-0 at the Colliery.
But being a former CAPS United coach, Ntini said he is aware of the hype that has been triggered by the game in the sugar growing town.
“This is going to be an emotional game for us because CAPS United is where we have been before,” said Ntini.
“So, I think it’s going to be one of our big games this season but we have to play well to get a positive result.” Seasoned striker Chikafa, who was deemed excess baggage at CAPS United, has been ruled out of the game because of injury.
Sengu left the Harare giants in controversial circumstances after being accused of leading a player revolt at Makepekepe last year.
“Chikafa has resumed light training after getting the plaster removed from his ankle. He has been out for four weeks and definitely he cannot play in this match,” said Ntini.
Ntini said the community in Triangle is already bracing for one of their biggest matches this season.
“There has not been any Premiership football here for the past 42 years and now the people are warming up to us,” said Ntini.
“Some people were used to supporting Dynamos, CAPS or Highlanders in the PSL but now they are beginning to accept us while others are still jittery.
“I think the game against Bosso was a test case for us as we had a good crowd behind us and it can only get better.”
While Ntini, who survived a tricky period when his job was on the line, has been thriving in recent weeks, CAPS United coach Taurai Mangiwro has come under pressure from a support base that only wants success. Having returned to a hero’s welcome from his short-lived Asiagate suspension, Mangwiro has seen CAPS United lose two matches, including a demoralising home loss to Shabanie at Gwanzura.
He needs his team to start firing again and his case will be helped by the expected return of some key players, including Hardlife Zvirekwi, but Gibbo is not the kind of ground to expect any favours.
Online Reporter