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Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
AT some point in August, FC Wangu Mazodze led the Eastern Region Soccer League (ERSL) race by 14 points, with the Masvingo side clear favourites to clinch the sole ticket to the Premier Soccer League.
At that point, it looked like a one-horse race to the Premiership as the ERSL championship was for FC Wangu Mazodze to lose.
But, a series of poor results has seen FC Wangu Mazodze’s lead cut to just two points.
The arrival of veteran gaffer Luke Masomere at Triangle United has also changed the landscape.
And it’s now a three-horse race involving Triangle United and Tenax CS.
Triangle United are now on 63 points, two behind FC Wangu Mazodze, with just three rounds of action left.
Tenax CS have the same points as Triangle United but the prison wardens have an inferior goal difference.
Yet in August, the Sugar Boys trailed Zhalala Zhululu by a massive 16 points.
Triangle United took full advantage of a goalless draw between FC Wangu Mazodze and Tenax CS last weekend, as they walloped Midway 3-1 to move to within two points of the log leaders.
The Lowveld side has vastly improved since the arrival of Masomere, who replaced Arthur Tutani in June.
Masomere has a strong CV in the Eastern Region as he masterminded Manica Diamonds’ promotion into the top flight in 2018.
“When I arrived here at Triangle United, the team looked out of the race and my employers tasked me with building a very strong team for next year.
“But being someone who has been in the game for a long time, I knew anything could happen in football, and look where we are now,” Masomere told Zimpapers Sports Hub.
The former Shabanie Mine and Masvingo United gaffer is inspired by history.
Back in 2005 he almost led Masvingo United to a historic Premiership title, as he lost the race to CAPS United on the last day.
Yet Masvingo United trailed Makepekepe by 17 points at the halfway stage.
“I remember that year like it was yesterday,” says Masomere.
“That’s what is pushing me to believe anything can happen.”
Triangle United will play two of their last three matches at Gibbo against Renco Mine and Rusitu Tigers.
The other fixture is against Manica Diamonds U-19 at Chisamba.
They finish the season at home against struggling Renco Mine.
Log leaders FC Wangu Mazodze will also finish the season at home against Surrey, after playing Mutare City Rovers (away) and St Paul’s Musami (home).
Third-placed Tenax are left with two games against Huku FC and Renco Mine.
“When I arrived the team wasn’t doing well especially away and we had to arrest that.
“Since I came in, we have lost only once away from Gibbo. The team has improved and we have been posting good results,” says Masomere.
The veteran gaffer beefed up his squad mid-season with players from far and wide, including former Dynamos striker Ngandu Mangala, who joined from Mutare City Rovers.
Another striker, Manford Mudzimu, also joined Triangle United from Shabanie Mine, while Munashe Bhamara came from Dulivadzimu.
“You need to be strong and tough in this competition. The Eastern Region is a tough league and I am talking from experience.
“But, we are looking forward to a good finish. We have now picked up form and a better ending beckons,” a confident Masomere said.
Weekend results
Midway 1-3 Triangle United; Destiny Stars 3-0 Manica Diamonds U19; Surrey FC 0-1 Great Zimbabwe University; Huku FC 2-1 Masvingo United; FC Wangu Mazodze 0-0 Tenax CS; St Paul’s Musami 0-1 Buffaloes; Chiredzi FC 4-4 Mutare City Rovers; Rusitu Tigers 2-0 Renco Mine; FC Hunters Bye
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