Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
BEFORE January 2019, not many knew the name Genesis Mangombe in local football circles.
Mangombe had captained and coached lower league side ZRP before his first Premier Soccer League appointment on January 26, 2019.
Yadah Stars, who were bracing for their second season in the top-flight league, appeared to have taken a huge gamble when they appointed a then 36-year-old Mangombe.
His notable achievement prior to his appointment at Yadah, was leading the ZRP’s Team Zimbabwe at the 2017 SARPCCO Games in Lesotho.
Mangombe had also attained his CAF A License that same year.
Six years after his first Premiership gig, Mangombe is now one of the most talked about coaches in the land, although he acknowledges the journey has not been that smooth.
Following stints at Dynamos, Scottland and one that was as brief as it was forgettable at Tabora United of Tanzania, Mangombe has now settled well at Triangle United.
He is fresh from guiding the Lowveld side to the final of the Chibuku Super Cup. Mangombe also dragged Triangle out of the mud and the Sugar Sugar Boys are now four points away from ensuring their stay in the elite league. With 34 points from 31 games, Triangle now need at least four points to get to 38, the average number of points that have kept teams afloat in the last five seasons.
When Mangombe joined Triangle on April 20, his predecessor Luke Masomere, had managed just one point in six games.
Mangombe has now taken charge of 25 league games, winning seven, drawing 12 and losing six.
He is also now targeting a second Chibuku Super Cup title after winning the same tournament with Dynamos in 2023.
“It has not been an easy road, it was a bumpy one, sometimes full of regrets, full of risks, but I am happy that people are now recognising me as one of the good coaches in the country,” said Mangombe.
Now 42, Mangombe is among a crop of rising coaches in the country.
He was Brito’s assistant when the Brazilian gaffer led Zimbabwe to two draws against Nigeria and Rwanda in the opening Match-days of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. “Unfortunately, we didn’t stay long with the national team because my boss Brito was fired, and hence the whole technical team was also fired.
“But here I am now, with the experience I gained from Yadah and at Dynamos. They trusted me to coach their team when I was young.
“It worked for me because I was allowed to make my own decisions.
“I was given a free role by Prophet Walter Magaya.’’
A week after seeing off MWOS in the Chibuku Super Cup semi-final, Mangombe returns to Ngoni for a league showdown with Lloyd Mutasa’s men.
“We have managed to collect some vital points, and the playing style has also changed. “The boys are trying to play the way we want and we have improved our position on the log,” said Mangombe.
He believes their cup triumph was a big confidence booster for Triangle.
“We now have a bit of knowledge about how they play at home.
“But it’s going to be a difficult game.’’
Mangombe believes his team would be in a better position if they started the season with the same spirit they have now.
“You can see the players are hungry, they want to win and on their day they can beat any team.
“If you train with intensity and in very difficult conditions, on match-day, it is very simple.
“So, I’m happy that I’m also in the Chibuku Super Cup final. And last time, again, I managed to win this Chibuku Cup with Dynamos.
“So, for me, I think it’s a plus on my CV,’’ said Mangombe.
“We win against MWOS, we are safe from relegation. “We just need to remain focused and work hard.
“I have gained valuable experience from my past.
“The circumstances I have been through have made me stronger.
“It was a very good experience in Tanzania, you become very brave and also be ready to face any challenge,’’ added Mangombe.
