Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
FOR a few hours yesterday, it appeared that Manicaland’s Premiership clubs had received a get-out-of-jail ticket.
Four teams from the province, who are stuck in a fierce relegation fight, seemed to have received a huge boardroom boost.
Bikita Minerals, Greenfuel, Manica Diamonds and Triangle United are all in danger of relegation.
What makes it even tighter is that they face each other this weekend, a schedule that could see them cancel one another out. Yesterday, the Premier Soccer League announced that they had shelved relegation for this season.
It’s a decision that sparked fierce debate and criticism.
The PSL said the decision was aimed at helping the league expand smoothly to a 20-team competition. With four sides already promoted from the regions, the PSL’s plans were to grow their members to 22 teams next year.
Six teams were going to be chopped at the end of that season. It was an early Christmas present for the Manicaland teams.
But, then ZIFA intervened, and reversed the PSL decision. It means the relegation battle is still on.
Manica Diamonds host Bikita Minerals at Sakubva. Greenfuel and Triangle United clash in Chisumbanje, about 230 kilometres from Mutare.
Triangle coach Genesis “Kaka” Mangombe carries the weight of both pressure and possibility.
He could lose everything he has built since joining the Lowveld side in May, yet he could also pull off a remarkable double – survival in the league and a Chibuku Super Cup title if they beat Dynamos next weekend.
Triangle have 37 points and will be safe if they beat Boyz Dze Nharo on Sunday.
Greenfuel sit on 36 points and hope to make home advantage count at the GreenFuel Arena.
A draw might save them, depending on results elsewhere.
Highlanders, Chicken Inn, Manica Diamonds and Dynamos are all on 38 points. None of them are safe.
“We need to work hard, this is no longer kids play,” Mangombe told Zimpapers Sports Hub.
A win for Triangle secures their place in the 2026 Premiership.
“This is the final push and we have to get over the line. The good thing is that we are a united family, which is really important at this stage.
“My boys already understand the way we want them to play,” Mangombe said.
Triangle hammered relegated Kwekwe United 4-0 in their last league outing, but their recent form remains patchy. They have managed only five points from their last five games.
Greenfuel arrive with slightly better momentum, collecting eight points over the same period.
They need a win to survive. Triangle could scrape through with a draw.
Greenfuel sit on 36 points with a minus two goal difference. Triangle hold a stronger position with a plus three goal difference.
