Online ReporterLangton Nyakwenda in CHIREDZI
Triangle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
Dynamos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0) 1
NEVER mind the pre-match drama that saw kick-off being delayed by 20 minutes at a packed Gibbo, this Chibuku Super Cup final was one to remember.
A beautiful goal, a huge crowd, a splendid pre-match performance by Zimdancehall star Freeman and a colourful trophy presentation all characterised yesterday’s encounter between Dynamos and Triangle United.
Enasio Perezo Jr’s wonder goal, 10 minutes from time, settled matters and ensured an unprecedented third Chibuku Super Cup title in a row for Dynamos.
In making the Chibuku Super Cup record of winning it three times on the bunce, Dynamos will now have to retain the trophy for good, forcing the sponsors to look for new silverware next season.
Perezo’s solitary goal was worthy of winning this and any major cup final.
Perezo, whose father Enasio also played for Dynamos, had been on the pitch for only 12 minutes when he curled the ball from the D area, to send the Harare giants’ fans into a frenzy.
Yet Triangle dominated most of the game, but were made to pay in the last 10 minutes of the contest.
“I felt something strange from within when I was seated on the bench.
“I felt like I would contribute something if I was to come on,” said Perezo Jnr.
“When the ball rolled towards me, instinctively I struck it and it went in.”
The 20-year-old forward paid tribute to coach Kelvin Kaindu, who has not lost a match since taking over from Saul Chaminuka in August.
The Zambian gaffer also masterminded DeMbare’s survival from Premiership relegation last weekend.
Kaindu finally bagged his first Chibuku Super Cup yesterday, after agonisingly losing the 2017 final to Harare City, when he was still in charge of the now-defunct How Mine.
Coincidentally, Kaindu won the 2013 Mbada Diamonds Cup with Highlanders against How Mine.
The Zambian gaffer admitted that his charges, whose preparations had been rocked by industrial action, did not play well.
“When you don’t play well and end up winning, you know it’s the grace of God,” said the highly spiritual gaffer.
The odds were heavily staked against Dynamos, going into this final at Gibbo.
DeMbare’s last win at this arena was back in 2016.
The Glamour Boys had also not won a Chibuku Super Cup match in regulation time since the beginning of this year’s competition.
Dynamos were dealt a heavy blow when they lost goalkeeper Prince Tafiremutsa to injury in the first half.
Tafiremutsa was rushed to hospital after sustaining a serious injury when saving a dangerous strike by Munashe Bamara.
“That was after kick-off was delayed for 20 minutes as the two teams, in a dispute laced in juju beliefs, argued over match balls to be used for the contest.
When the match finally started, it was Dynamos who almost scored the opener in the opening 10 minutes.
Triangle then regrouped and could have scored through Elton Njini and Bamara.
The Sugar Boys, who were aiming for a second Chibuku Super Cup title, after winning the tournament in 2018, dominated the second half.
“It was a Cup final, and it can go either way. But we wanted to win this Cup for our fans, you can see they came in their numbers,” said Triangle coach Genesis Mangombe.
Mangombe was also aiming for a second Chibuku Super Cup title after leading Dynamos to the podium in 2023.
The last time the two teams met in a Cup final was back in October 2014, when Triangle stunned Dynamos in the NetOne One Wallet Cup final at the National Sports Stadium.
Triangle were then under the guidance of late Dynamos legend Biggie Zuze.
Kaindu avenged that defeat yesterday. Interestingly, he is also a former Triangle coach.
He led the Sugar Boys to fourth position in 2015.
He has been linked with 2024 league champions Simba Bhora and newly promoted Hardrock for next season.
TEAMS
Triangle United: T. Chikosi, T. Mugoniwa, N. Chinyerere, A. Mawadza, P. Machengete, T. Kamusoko, A. Zeka, M. Bamara (A. Sadiki 74th), W. Shave, E. Njini, T. Chatuluka
Dynamos: P. Tafiremutsa (T. Makoni 32nd), E. Jalai, A. Gwatidzo, C. Mandivei, I. Mohamed, L. Mavhunga (E. Perezo Jr 68th), V. Ngwenya (T. Chiwunga 68th), F. Agyemang (T. Magwaza 85th), J. Kasondo (F. Hammond 85th), T. Pio, S. Nyahwa
What is interesting about a coach having coached this team before and so on? These guys are recycled like underwear as a matter of fact.
Cup Kings!!!!