Rwanda No.1 banking on Premier Soccer League experience against Bafana

The lanky goalkeeper signed for TS Galaxy at the beginning of the season, but is yet to make his debut in the DStv Premiership. 

Ntwari has, however, been the preferred choice in the Carling Knockout Cup, helping The Rockets reach the semifinals – and that is the form he wants to take into the home leg of their fixture against Hugo Broos’ men. 

"I can't tell you the system we play because we have a new coach now, who doesn't know many of the players. But the players he called, we have been together for almost two years. I think we'll play well at home,' he said.

Rwanda named German-born Torsten Frank Spittler as their new coach recently, and Ntwari is more than willing to give him tips on PSL players who make up the bulk of the Bafana squad. Broos will confirm his 23-man team on Friday. 

"It's me the only player who plays in South Africa, so I'll help my team because I know many players here in South Africa. I'll help the coach to know how to play and tell him more about the South African players."

On his progress since moving to South Africa, the 24-year-old admits it hasn’t always been easy playing second fiddle to Vasilije Kolak. 

Ntwari has played both matches in the cup against Mamelodi Sundowns and Sekhukhune United. 

"I sat on the bench, I think it was eight games. So, I was waiting for my chance. And I was confident, that when the coach gave me the opportunity on the Sundowns game, I said 'I have to grab it, and then I can continue every game' because no player can be happy to always be on the bench. So, I was fighting for my position and am glad it's coming.”

Ntwari gets to work with a Premier Soccer League (PSL) icon and former Nigerian goalminder Greg Etafia, who spent more than a decade with Moroka Swallows and is now keeper coach at Galaxy, helping the Rwandan international adapt.