Published by the government of Zimbabwe
Ellina Mhlanga
6 July 2009
Harare — Makoloni who had been with CAPS United since his arrival from Malawi four years ago joined Black Rhinos when the mid-season transfer window opened after being deemed excess baggage at Makepekepe.
The diminutive striker's decision to join the army side appears to also have been largely influenced by the fact that Ntini -- who coached him at CAPS United -- is now the Rhinos mentor.
Yesterday, he showed a glimpse of why Ntini has so much faith in him when he struck the game's solitary goal in the 30th minute.
Ntini has been tasked with reviving Rhinos' fortunes and ensure the soldiers do not make a quick return to Division One football.
The outspoken former Shooting Stars coach has also released veteran forward Lazarus Muhoni who until his arrival at Rhinos was the army side captain.
Muhoni put on the green and white CAPS United strip for the first time yesterday as both sides paraded some of their mid-season acquisitions ahead of the resumption of the championship marathon next weekend.
Ntini said he had opted to "go for younger players" and was satisfied with the progress shown by his team in the two weeks that he has been in charge.
"It's a good start for the team as we beat Motor Action last week in another friendly match and today CAPS United paraded all their new and old players, I can say it was a full strength team but we managed to win.
"I have opted to go for the younger players and we will have them play alongside some of our older and experienced players.
"There is a big improvement but there is still a lot of work to be done so that the guys can quickly adjust.
"The spirit is coming back and I urge everyone to play his role including the executive. We have to complement each other in order to succeed," Ntini said.
Ntini said they had also recalled former Warriors defender Melody Wafawanaka, midfielder Rowan Nenzou and had also brought in new faces who include Benard Gumbo from Mimosa Mine and Itai Mupariwa.
CAPS United team manager Wilson Mutekede said they would not read much into the defeat as their main focus was on the side's overall performance.
"This was a training game and we are looking at the performance not the result.
"Beefing up the squad is mainly to improve the team and what we did is the right thing.
"We want to compete to and finish on a respectable position," Mutekede said.
Although CAPS United had such regulars like Leonard Tispa, Ashley Rambanapasi, Danger Fourpence and David Kutyauripo in their line-up they also afforded a chance to their mid-season arrivals.
Apart from Muhoni, coach Lloyd Chitembwe also gave a run in to former Dynamos striker Audience Rundofa while Ian Nekati and Easy Mutu could only contend with places on the bench.
Caps united 0 Black Rhinos(1) 1
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