Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi-Zimpapers Sports Hub
TRIANGLE coach Genesis Mangombe has predicted a tense finish to the season at the bottom end of the table as the battle for survival takes centre stage.
Kwekwe were the first team to be confirmed officially relegated following a 0-2 defeat by fellow relegation candidates Chicken Inn at the weekend. Still about 10 more teams, including giants Dynamos (29 points), CAPS United (32) and Highlanders (33) are steeped in the relegation matrix, going into the last six rounds of play.
Nine of the teams are lumped between 28 and 33 points, which makes every point count in the homestretch.
“It’s not looking nice. I think we need to work very hard. It’s not going to be easy. It’s now tough,” said Mangombe.
Triangle frustrated giants Dynamos in a goalless draw at Rufaro on Sunday.
Highlanders, who are now under the tutelage of Dutchman Pieter De Jongh, lost 0-1 to FC Platinum while CAPS United were guilty of missing a glut of scoring opportunities when they played a nil-all draw with city rivals Herentals.
Highlanders are tied on 33 points with Chicken Inn and Manica Diamonds, who both won their games at the weekend.
Chicken Inn won 2-0 over Kwekwe United, effectively sealing the fate of the newboys.
CAPS United are joined on 32 points by Triangle and Bikita Minerals. Dynamos, who covered so much ground by winning four consecutive games before Sunday’s draw with Triangle, finally moved from 17th place after spending several weeks stuck in one place.
They are now 16th on the log standings with 29 points.
“You see, we have big teams in the relegation zone,” said Mangombe.
“And at some point, you will find that you won’t have the big three teams relegated.
“So, at some point you have to work very hard so that we get out of the matrix and make sure that we don’t fall in that fallout.”
DeMbare are tied on 29 points with Yadah. The Glamour Boys could have moved out of the relegation zone with a win at hone against Triangle. But the point lifted them just one place up after spending several weeks stuck on 17th place.
DeMbare coach Kelvin Kaindu was satisfied with the point, his team’s 13th.
“For us even to get a point, I know somebody outside may think, why is the coach even happy that we got a point? But I understand these things. For me to get a point is a blessing. Otherwise, this was a very, very difficult game for us,” said Kaindu.
