Online Reporter
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
THE ghosts of 2012 are back in the Eastern Region – and Lovemore Dzoro knows exactly how this story ends.
In 2012, Triangle United FC won promotion to the Premier Soccer League after winning the ZIFA Eastern Region Division One title under the late veteran coach, Gishon “Gizha” Ntini.
The milestone ended a 42-year wait since the club’s formation in 1972. Triangle became the first Lowveld team to reach the top-flight.
Key players in that campaign included Lameck Nhamo, the top goal-scorer, Courage Denias, Leo Kurauzvione, Limited Chikafa, David Sengu and William Mapfumo among others.
The club secured the championship with a 1-0 win over Gaza Gunners in Chipinge with matches to spare.
Triangle’s main rival for the title in 2012 was Hippo Valley. Triangle edged Hippo Valley to win the championship.
One of the architects of that campaign was Lovemore Dzoro, who is now head coach of Deportivo La Murambinda in the current Eastern Region Division One race for Premier Soccer League promotion.
For some reason, there are many similarities – including the points gap – between the 2012 race involving Triangle United and Hippo Valley, and the current competition between second-placed La Murambinda and log leaders, Yadah FC.
Dzoro is no stranger to the mind games and pressure that come with a promotion race.
He is confident his team has the capacity to succeed by the end of the season.
“Yes, in terms of promotion, I think it is still open for the top five teams, so we really believe, and I have confidence that we can make it this season, but we only need to continue winning our games.
“I am very happy with the team’s performance. The guys are happy and well-motivated, therefore they are eager to win,” he said.
Dzoro also reflected on the 2012 experience.
“I had the same scenario at Triangle FC, but I was an assistant coach to the late Gishon Ntini. I think as of our remaining fixtures, we need to push hard, and it is a must for us to win all our remaining matches,” he said.
The tight race for promotion has been a boost for the Pacific Storm Eastern Region Division One League, where in past seasons some clubs were guaranteed promotion at the start of the season. Pacific Storm Eastern Region Division One League chairman, Simba Wisdom, said the championship is likely to be decided on the final day.
“The race for the championship as well as relegation has intensified with teams in the race trying all the tricks to collect maximum points at all cost. I therefore see the league being decided on the last day,” he said.
Wisdom said he has not heard of rumours suggesting that AMV will soon pull out of the league.
“I never heard anything about the folding of AMV. If it so happens, it will not affect the league in any way as for the remaining fixtures teams will be awarded points,” he said.
On the performance of match officials, an area that has been problematic in many title races, Wisdom said: “The referees’ performance has been generally well, but I have noted that a few were not up to standard. I believe the errors were deliberate. I have since advised the committee to avoid appointment of certain individuals on title chasing teams, this has so far worked.”
