The Sunday Mail
Oscar Rusenga in Triangle
THE Lowveld community is in an expectant mood as one of their football ambassadors, Triangle FC, step up to face Dynamos in the NetOne OneWallet Cup final.
There is a strong belief that Triangle, who are making a maiden major cup final appearance, will write their own piece of history by upsetting Dynamos at the National Sports Stadium.
Shakemore “Shekede” Mashanda, who is regarded as the club’s most loyal supporter, sums up the confidence levels prevailing in the Lowveld.
“I am sure we can come out with a positive result. We are not in the final by default, we are in it because we worked hard during the other rounds.
“We finished eighth last season, the last slot for qualifying for the cup, but now we are playing the champions in the final because we are a good team,” said Mashanda.
Triangle knocked out Harare City and Chicken Inn, winning on penalties on both occasions, to book the ticket into the final as well as a chance to pocket the $80 000 winners’ cheque.
Already, they are guaranteed a cool $50 000 for reaching the final but club chairman Lovemore Matikinyidze wants his players to go all out for the big one.
“We are a capable team and on a good day I know the boys can deliver.
“Morale is high, playing against Dynamos in a cup final should be great motivation for us.
“It would be great if we walk to the podium to collect the trophy but that is achieved after hard work,” said Matikinyidze.
Assistant coach Lovemore Dzoro played down the team’s recent poor form and promised a real fight from his boys.
“I think it is going to be an open game for us as we are not under any pressure.
“Yes, DeMbare is a big club but we can match them in all departments.
“I promise fireworks and neutrals are going to enjoy this one.
“We had a rough patch in our last three games and I am confident that this will be our turning point. I am just pleading with our loyal supporters to come in their numbers and rally behind the team”, he said.
Although this is Triangle’s first cup final appearance, the club has players like Graham Ncube, Courage Denias, Charles Rukwanhi and skipper William Mapfumo, who have played in major finals before.
