12 not out, Kaka marches on

Langton Nyakwenda-Zimpapers Sports Hub

GENESIS MANGOMBE is brewing something worth the attention of many in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League in the Lowveld.

When he took over at Triangle United, the Sugar Sugar Boys just had one point in six matches to show for their Premiership return.

They were already favourites for relegation, even before the halfway stage of the championship marathon.

Resultantly they sacked Luke Masomere, who became the first coaching casualty of the 2025 season.

Such was Triangle United’s stint in the relegation quagmire that they spent 24 weeks in the drop zone until last weekend, when they floored FC Platinum at Gibbo.

That key 2-0 victory pushed Mangombe’s side to 28 points and one above the relegation zone for the first time this season.

While Mangombe acknowledges his side are still not safe from relegation, he is full of praise for his charges.

Veterans Thabani Kamusoko and Ali Sadiki have been vital for the Lowveld side, with rookie Munashe Bamara popping in with some match-winning performances.

Bamara assisted Elton Njini for the first goal before Praise Machengete made it 2-0 when Triangle posted a rare win over FC Platinum.

Mangombe credits his team’s form to unity of purpose within the whole institution.

“When we talk of a team, we talk of every department, starting from the technical team, security agencies and also the executive at large.

“We are working together as a team to get these good results,” said Mangombe.

Triangle’s unbeaten run stretches back to May 31.

They have managed four wins and eight draws.

“When I arrived, I had to change a lot of things which I thought were the main reason why the team was at the bottom.

“Remember the team had played six games and had one point.

“We have gone to register more points.

“We are now a solid team . . . goals are coming from anywhere, even from defenders,” added Mangombe.

The former Dynamos, Scottland and Yadah Stars coach also believes stiff competition brought by the arrival of mid-season acquisitions has added the impetus in the Triangle outfit.

Among those who joined Triangle United during the July window include the former Dynamos pair of Partson Jaure and Nomore Chinyerere.

“I am happy with the response from the boys.

“We still need to work hard because we are still not safe.”

Now Triangle will shift their survival bid to Nyamhunga where they face a cagey assignment against ZPC Kariba on Saturday.

“The arrival of players like Jaure means we now have depth and stiff competition.

“We now have a headache in selecting the final team to represent us that means we now have a healthy squad.

“The game against ZPC Kariba is not going to be easy.

“The good thing though is that the weather conditions in Kariba are the same as here in Triangle.

“It’s hot and humid in Kariba but we are used to those conditions.

“I know we are going to grind and come out with a positive result.

“Everyone understands the task that lies ahead of us.

“On a good day, we can do anything. We will take each game as it comes.”