Chronicle Editor
Oscar Rusenga in Triangle
Triangle 1-3 Manica Diamonds
MANICA Diamonds striker Fortune Binzi marked his return to action after a long injury lay-off with a perfect goal in the Castle Lager Premiership match played at Gibbo yesterday.
Binzi now tops league scoring charts tied with Bulawayo Chiefs marksman Obriel Chirinda on nine goals, one shy of his season’s target of double figures.
The visitors engaged the fastest gear early on as they scored what could be the fastest goal in the league this term. Striker Michael Tapera accelerated towards goal following a long ball from kick off to feed Brian Chikwenya whose first time effort gave Triangle goalkeeper Matripples Muleya no chance with only twenty five seconds on the clock.
Triangle looked out of sorts as Manica dominated all departments and Triangle head coach Thulani Sibanda looked confused as the pressure continued to mount on him after a string of bad results. The run of defeats is Triangle’s worst since their promotion into the top flight 10 years ago.
Binzi was outstanding in The Gem Boys attack and caused all sorts of problems to Triangle’s defence and capped his return to Premier League football with a good striker’s goal heading home his side’s second goal after Ralph Kawondera’s initial effort came off the post. The goal was made from the left after a very good move by Chikwenya who was the best player for Manica before being sent off after a second bookable offence in the 50th minute.
Triangle failed to capitalise on their numerical advantage as Manica continued to dominate possession with Kawondera and Liberty Chakoroma bossing the midfield.
Kawondera was rewarded for his workrate as he scored his fourth goal in three games in all competitions. His latest goal was a beauty from more than twenty yards, a contender for goal of the year at Gibbo in the 56th minute.
Triangle were given a lifeline in the 72nd minute when referee Dirwai Quedsani correctly pointed to the spot after a foul inside the Manica box. Veteran midfielder Russell Madamombe took the spot kick which was well saved by Manica goalkeeper Tedious Baye who is on the rise since taking over from seasoned number one Jorum Muchambo.
Madamombe however scored a consolation goal with four minutes to play. This was after Never Rauzhi slipped past Kelvin Gwao before teeing up Madamombe who made no mistake from close range.
Manica Diamonds assistant coach Tafadzwa Mashiri was happy with the result as his side punished his former paymasters having spent five years as Taurai Mangwiro’s deputy at the lowveld side.
“We are happy for the win, it was not an easy game. We got an early goal in the first minute and managed to get a cushion goal before halftime and that was the strategy and it was easy for us to control the second half.
“We are excited that Binzi returned and played very well. He got his name on the score sheet again and he had a very good overall performance and we wish him well going forward,” said Mashiri.
Triangle head coach Sibanda is feeling the heat of Lowveld after a string of poor results and recently conceded eight goals in consecutive matches at home losing 3-0 to Bulawayo Chiefs, 2-0 to Greenfuel before conceding three yesterday. In total Triangle have managed to win a paltry three games out of 19 fixtures and two of those wins came during the time Thomas Ruzive was in charge before Sibanda was accredited.
“We conceded easy goals, our concentration levels were low. We tried to react in the second half but it was already too late. We will continue to work hard and hopefully we will get results.
“The dressing room is okay, we are doing okay. With other coaches’ contracts, I am not at liberty to comment because I don’t know the conditions of their contracts”, said Sibanda.
Teams
Triangle: Matripples Muleya, Jameson Mukombwe (Tinashe Kabanda 46th minute), Carlos Musimwa (Corey-Eli Black 80th minute), Arnold Mawadza, Eriya Mafirenyika, Enock Karembo, Lucky Ndlela, Nobert Zingo (Newman Sianchali 39th minute), Never Rauzhi, Wilson Mensah (Russell Madamombe 46th minute), Migos Svinurai (Njabulo Ngwenya 65th minute)
Manica Diamonds: Tedious Baye, Lawrence Masibera, Farai Banda, Tawanda Chisi, Kelvin Gwao, Liberty Chakoroma, Ralph Kawondera (Charles Teguru 77th minute), Bret Amidu, Michael Tapera, Fortune Binzi (Tawanda Macheke 77th minute), Brian Chikwenya
Online Reporter