The Sunday Mail
Don Makanyanga
RONALD Chitiyo still gets a little teary when talking about his 22-month sabbatical from football, and his long awaited return last weekend.
Coming in as a late substitution, for Dominic Chungwa, during Caps United’s 4-1 victory over Bulawayo Chiefs; the 26-year-old received a standing ovation when he marked his first taste of competitive football in a year and ten months.
“The reception I received from the Caps United fans was something else, I nearly shed a tear or two,” said Chitiyo.
“It was my first match in Caps United colours since July 2017, and to them walk out there and get all love was overwhelming.
“All I can say is that It’s good to be back and doing what I love doing the most,” he said.
That Chitiyo’s contribution were confined to the last four minutes, with the game already decided, is inconsequential.
Rooney is back, everything is right with the world.
Chitiyo last featured for Caps United on July 29 2017 at Rufaro Stadium in a Premier League clash against Harare City.
He would make the great trek to North Africa and join Tunisian giants Club Sportif Sfaxien on a two year and half contract.
What was supposed to be the start of great things to come, ended up being the beginning of a never-ending nightmare.
One that would last a collective 22 months.
First, the diminutive midfield could not immediately feature for the eight-time Tunisian champions, because of a Fifa transfer ban.
Four months into his $50 000 contract Chitiyo then severed ties with the team after they failed to honour their contractual obligations.
Sadly, on his return home, and at Caps United, Chitiyo was involved in a car accident after he was hit by a commuter omnibus on his way home from a training session.
As if the injuries sustained in the accident were not enough, the former Dynamos midfielder would aggravate knee injury during a light training session.
He was then ruled out of action for entire 2018 Castle Lager Premiership Season, and only surface last weekend.
Despite spending almost close to two years away from the field, Chitiyo credits his faith and hard work to his survival and return.
“I was confident that I would bounce back and I kept the faith and belief that this was a passing phase.
“Caps United technical team led by coach Chitembwe and my family played a pivotal role in my comeback as they always encouraged me to be positive during my time of need,” he said.
All that is left now is for the 26-year-old to work himself back into form and into the Caps United starting line-up.
A task, coach Lloyd Chitembwe is confident his former talisman is up for.
“When we talk of Chitiyo we are not talking about any ordinary player, he is a special talent and just having him back and doing what he likes best gives us all a very good feeling.
“As a coach I am very happy to have Rooney back. I have always believed in him and I know what he brings to the table,” said Chitembwe.
