Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi
Zimpapers Sports Hub
GENESIS MANGOMBE is unmoved by the form his former team, Dynamos, is enjoying as he returns to Rufaro tomorrow to lead Triangle against his ex-paymasters in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League battle for survival.
Mangombe has lifted the Sugar Sugar Boys from the danger zone as the jostling to stay afloat in the top-flight intensifies.
But his exploits have been eclipsed by one of his successors at Dynamos Kelvin Kaindu, whose “Midas touch’’ has literally transformed the Glamour Boys’ fortunes instantly.
DeMbare have been in imperious form since the arrival of the Zambian coach, going on a four-match winning run that included successes over MWOS, Kwekwe United and title-chasing Scottland.
Triangle on their part have won three of their last five games and lost one.
Tomorrow’s match is a six-pointer because of the high stakes involved.
“We are facing Dynamos with caution. We are eyeing a pleasant result but at the same time, we need to be safe. We need to be safe that we don’t concede goals,” said Mangombe.
“We have done everything we can so that at the end of the day, we can win. We know how Dynamos play and we know the strength of the new technical department.
“So, all those things, we have done our homework and I think, come Sunday, we will make sure we upset them.”
Three points separate the two teams on the log standings. Triangle are on 31 points and Dynamos have 28 after 27 games and both are stalked by relegation.
“Mathematically, if they win against us, it means we are tallying on points. And now, it becomes a tall order for us in our next assignment. So, we need to play to win, so that we are out of the relegation zone and we are out of pressure,” said Mangombe.
He is also cognisant of the influence of the intimidating DeMbare supporters who have been a huge motivating factor since finding their voices again.
“Of course, Dynamos has got supporters. So, maybe it’s their 12th player. But for my boys, I just encourage them that if you want to be a big player, you have to rise in these big occasions.
“Remember, we beat them 2-0 in our own backyard.
“On the other side, some of the things, you know, the tradition and everything that comes with Dynamos, it has a lot of pressure and I know how to upset the opponents because the fans are not patient.
“They are not patient and you can use it to our advantage as well,” said Mangombe.
Kaindu has remained optimistic.
The former Highlanders coach has been consistent and was recently rewarded with the PSL Coach of the Month award.
“It’s going to be an open game. Both teams are looking for maximum points. They are slightly ahead of us,” said Kaindu.
“They have tried also to pick up points in the last few games that they have played. It is going to be an open game. They beat us in the first leg 2-0 and we are playing at home.
“We want to capitalise on the home ground advantage. It is not going to be an easy game. I think this is probably going to be a game that is going to go either way.
“They have got the pedigree. They have got the former coach who knows the set-up and the system of Dynamos. He knows the players.
“It is not going to be easy but we just hope that we keep our momentum up and hopefully we keep picking points from every game that comes,” said Kaindu.
