Online Reporter
Curtworth Masango
Zimpapers Sports Hub
TRIANGLE goalkeeper Takudzwa Chikosi could be on his way to winning the Premier Soccer League Golden Glove award after two seasons of near misses.
In 2023, the 22-year-old still plying his trade at Herentals had 16 clean sheets and was only second to Nelson Chadya who had 19.
Last year Chikosi recorded yet another 16-clean-sheet haul but he was no match for Donovan Benard with 21.
But this time around, Chikosi looks so firm in his charge and has taken the lead with 16, the same as Simba Bhora’s William Thole who is, however, now not guaranteed a place as the Shamva side number one.
It looks like a season-defining twist for a goalkeeper who only joined Triangle from Herentals three months ago.
Chikosi’s ascent reads like a fairytale.
After a solid first half of the season with Herentals, where he recorded six clean sheets, he transferred to relegation-threatened Triangle United.
His impact was immediate and profound, quickly filling the void left by the injured Hamilton Makangairwa.
The shot-stopper has been a revelation, delivering a series of stand-out performances that have been crucial in Triangle’s push for survival.
On the other hand, Thole, a Malawian international, has endured a mixed season despite his prowess, facing internal criticism over his work ethic. If the rebound of Tonderai Mateyaunga in their last two games will explain something.
What once seemed like Thole’s certain victory has now become a tense battle.
With only three games remaining, Chikosi has not only revived Triangle’s hopes of avoiding the drop but has also forcefully inserted himself into the Golden Glove conversation.
“I am happy with what the team has managed to pull against all the odds. It’s not a one-man job but a team effort.
“Winning the Golden Glove is a dream every goalkeeper wants to fulfil, and I cannot be an exception. But at the moment it’s all about focusing on each and every game as it comes.
“I still need to give all I have and see how it turns out.
The team still needs maximum points and a clean sheet in every remaining game won’t just do me favours but the whole squad.
If Thole succeeds in this quest, he will be the first foreign goalkeeper in the country to win the Golden Glove in the entire history of the premier soccer league.
“No, I am not looking into what is happening where. The focus is on my job and trying to help my side get positive results in the remaining matches,” said Chikosi.
“I don’t want to give myself unnecessary pressure. Being at this position already shows how committed and dedicated I am to winning for the team. Anything can happen and be ready to celebrate if everything comes into place.”
Peter Tanyanyiwa