Fate gives them one more chance
Sa Pinto and Etogala had co-existed again in the past at Standard Liege in the 2017/18 season, when the current APOEL coach won the cup. The two of them managed to start the year together but in the middle of the season, the international winger from Congo had returned to Genk where he belonged only… to lose the title to the Portuguese coach.
The 32-year-old belonged to Genk before moving to Cyprus and this season (2017/18) he played the first half in Standard Liège. But in the middle of the season, and exactly on the last day of the transfer window, he went to Genk on loan. The course of the two teams in the championship did not have many differences, since the Portuguese coach had finished the year in 6th place and Etogala in 5th place (With Genk).
However, in the cup the two of them met in final. The Portuguese coach managed to beat Edogala 1-0 in extra time and celebrate the cup himself, leaving his former and current footballer without a title. But this did not stop the 32-year-old, who the very next year got a regular transfer to Genk and was crowned champion (the only time in his career).
However, fate brought them together again and their coexistence in APOEL gives them the opportunity to win a trophy together, specifically that of the championship.
