Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
FORMER Dynamos and Scottland coach Genesis “Kaka” Mangombe has finally broken his silence on his brief, troubled stint in Tanzania, lifting the lid on the “appalling” conditions he faced during his time at Tabora United.
Mangombe lasted just three games with the Tanzanian top-flight side before bouncing back in the local Premiership with Triangle United two weeks ago.
While Tabora United claimed their split with Mangombe was due to poor results, the youthful gaffer has made startling revelations about the dire state of affairs he encountered. Mangombe insists he was not fired, he walked away after Tabora failed to honour most of their promises, including basic contractual obligations.
The coach says he was never paid a cent during his time in Tanzania.
“There were a lot of tensions among the executive members,” he revealed.
“When I got there, they promised to avail a contract within a week. So I started working without a contract, with the hope that I would sign one soon.
“But nothing materialised, and I told myself I was not going to work without a contract.
“There was no positive response from the executive, so I had to leave.”
According to Mangombe, Tabora United lacked proper football structures, and he believes he was set up for failure.
“I would have tainted my CV if I stayed there longer,” he said.
“I was the only coach there, no assistant, no goalkeepers’ trainer, no fitness trainer.
“I only went there with Clinton Matiza, who was my analyst,” he added.
Mangombe also slammed Tabora United for “spreading lies” on social media.
“The team posted fake things because they want to make sure that their name is not tarnished.
“But if those issues are not addressed, there is no progress they can make.”
The former Yadah coach further revealed that several foreign-based players at Tabora United were disgruntled, while basic necessities like training balls were lacking.
“The team wasn’t functioning well in terms of management,” said Mangombe.
“They didn’t even have training balls.
“I noticed the environment was not conducive, so as a professional coach, I didn’t want to tarnish my image.”
The 44-year-old tactician has since resurfaced in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League with struggling Triangle United, who were enduring a nightmarish return to top-flight football under Luke Masomere.
Coincidentally, his first assignment was against his former paymasters, Yadah.
Triangle United snatched a slender 1-0 victory before holding four-time champions FC Platinum to a goalless draw at Mandava last weekend. The Lowveld side hosts ZPC Kariba at Gibbo this afternoon, as Mangombe continues his mission to lift Triangle out of the relegation zone.
Triangle United anchor the log standings with just five points from a possible 24.
They have one win, two draws, and five defeats. Before Mangombe’s arrival, Triangle had gone six games without a win.
Since taking over, he has managed a victory and a draw.
“It’s always good to post good results as a coach and as a team,” said Mangombe.
“I think the main reason Triangle United looked for me was to give them hope for survival.
“So I’m happy that we managed to win our first game.
“And we also managed to draw against the four-time champions, which means we are moving in the right direction.”
Triangle United won plenty of admirers with their gutsy performance against Scottland at Rufaro on the opening day of the 2025 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season.
They were unlucky to lose 0-1 via an own goal. Dreadlocked linkman Munashe Bamara announced his arrival in the PSL with a bang, outclassing his more fancied opponents.
However, the team’s form nosedived after that, losing several matches and eventually prompting the club executive to sack Masomere and replace him with Mangombe.
“We are working very well, and as you can see, the teams are still tightly packed at the bottom,” said Mangombe.
“So we need a positive result against ZPC Kariba, although it’s not going to be easy.
“As you can see, ZPC Kariba are playing very well.
“They are not conceding goals, so we are expecting a very tough encounter.”
Mangombe also hinted that Triangle United will bolster their squad during the mid-season transfer window.
“We have to bring in several players to stabilise the ship.
“And also to make sure they understand the philosophy I want. Of course, some of the players are responding very well.
“It’s a very good challenge, and we want to prove to ourselves that we can do it.
“I really appreciate the executive and everything they are doing, they are handling things professionally, and we will try to put our shoulders to the wheel and help this team.”
