By Daniel Nhakaniso
Zimbabwe international Andy Rinomhota spoken of his delight after playing another important role as Cardiff City extended their unbeaten run to eight games with a crucial 2-1 win over Derby County on Saturday.
The versatile man has endeared himself with the club’s fans with his consistent performances after being switched from midfield to rightback.
On Saturday he produced another outstanding display at right-back, further underlining his versatility which has proved a valuable asset for the Cardiff manager Omer Riza.
Reflecting on the team’s performance at the Cardiff City Stadium, Rinomhota said his teammates were well aware of the need to maintain the winning momentum after last week’s debry victory against Swansea.
“We knew how important this game was going to be,” Rinomhota said in an interview with Cardiff City TV after the match.
“We try not to put too much pressure on it obviously; we still going into approaching it the sa1 PJ p3me as we would any other game.
“We knew getting three points would almost feel like six in a way with teams around us, so I’m really happy with the win. It’s very important.
“It’s a good start with the momentum which we are going to try and keep building on, to try and make it as hard as possible for teams to come to our place.
“In this league, it is about momentum, so we’re happy to add another win, another game unbeaten. We’re just looking to carry on the way we’re going.”
Andy also spoke about his role at right back, which he has played for the last six weeks.
Rinomhota’s energy down the right and tenacity has proved difficult for the opposition to deal with, and has seen the 27 year-old become a popular figure in the Welsh Capital after initially struggling to get any minutes at the start of the season.
“I’m happy to be back in the fold now,” Andy continued. “Just trying to enjoy my football, which I am, so I’m just trying to keep that momentum going as long as I can.
“This is the most run of games I’ve had in that position. I’ve had odd games here and there, maybe just filling in for players. But I’ve taken to it well, felt comfortable.
“I’ve grown into it more; I think at the start it was still just a little bit unfamiliar, but I think now I’ve adapted to it well. I’m happy to be playing, no matter what position it is, where it is. I’m happy just to keep being in the team.”
Rinomhotha said they are relishing their away clash against EFL Championship leaders Leeds United as they look to maintain their good run of form.
“It definitely will be a tough test.” he explained. “It’s always good to play against the better teams to test yourself and see where you are at.
“We go into it with high confidence now, so it’s a good time for us to be going into that game. It’s not obviously an easy place to go.
“It doesn’t really get much harder than Elland Road for obvious reasons, but we’ll go in there approaching the game the right way.
“With no midweek game, we can build up to it, rest and then prepare tactically to try and get something from the game.”