The Sunday Mail
Don Makanyanga
WHEN Gabriel Nyoni crossed the great divide from Highlanders to join the Green Machine, prophets of doom were quick to dismiss the move as ill-advised.
But the talk did not deter the 27-year-old speed merchant. He made the move against the odds as he felt the new challenge would create more opportunities for him.
Seven months after joining CAPS, he has been snapped up by Maritzburg United on a permanent transfer.
The move leaves doomsayers with egg on their faces.
“People told me different kind of stories. Some even said I would fail at CAPS United but I knew what I was coming to do at Caps United.
“I needed to find a challenge where I was not going to be comfortable. Comfort zones are the ones that kill a lot of players. Coach Lloyd Chitembwe wanted my services and I knew I was in the right hands as he does not give players idle time,” said Nyoni.
After having played only 12 matches for the Green Machine, the Team of Choice, as Maritzburg United is known by its legion of fans in Mzansi, made contact with CAPS United to enquire on the availability of the speedy winger, offering him a seven-day trial stint.
“It really feels great knowing that your talent is being recognised outside Zimbabwean borders and it also goes to teach a lesson to other players, that it doesn’t take you 30 games to prove your worth,” said Nyoni.
Three days into the seven-day trial period, Nyoni had already impressed the Maritzburg United technical team. They wasted no time in making an offer to the Harare Giants.
Farook Kadodia, the Maritzburg chairman, wrote to CAPS United: “Thank you for the opportunity to access your player, Gabriel Nyoni. We believe we can further develop him so as to perform to his maximum potential.”
CAPS United vice-president Nhamo Tutisani confirmed that the deal between the two clubs was on a permanent basis.
“ln principle, we have agreed with Maritzburg United on Gabriel Nyoni’s permanent transfer. What is only left are the nitty-gritties of the deal, which we expect to complete this coming week.
“CAPS United is a commercial brand that thrives to develop the players’ careers. We will not stand in any player’s way,” said Tutisani.
