The Sunday Mail
Langton Nyakwenda in KARIBA
ZPC Kariba . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0) 1
Triangle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1) 2
HIGH-FLYING Triangle yesterday worsened Sunday Chidzambwa’s woes at ZPC Kariba with a classy performance that left the clueless hosts winless at Nyamhunga and the visitors on top of the log standings.
A goal in each half by on-fire Hillary Bakacheza and gritty midfielder Hardlife Mavundi saw Kelvin Kaindu’s Sugar Boys go two points clear of Chicken Inn, who play Dongo Sawmill in Rusape this afternoon.
ZPC Kariba’s makeshift leftback Tsepo Rantokoane scored for the hosts’ in injury time with a cracking long range free kick, but it was too little too late.
Triangle are now on 32 points while ZPC Kariba, who have now suffered seven defeats in 17 games, remain on 16 points and facing life outside the Premiership.
So bad is the situation at ZPC Kariba that Rantokoane’s strike yesterday was the club’s first goal in four matches.
And next week Chidzambwa comes face to face with Dynamos, the club that gave him fame but could now put another nail in ZPC Kariba’s coffin.
Yesterday the former Warriors coach — who spent the week attending a coaching course in Harare — watched the game from the VIP section as returning former team manager Partson Ndabambi directed operations.
“It is still work in progress, we were struggling to even score but today we got one goal. There are a number of areas that we need to work on and towards that end we have brought in some new faces.
“There are still 13 games to play and for people to start raising red flags is rather emotional. We will bounce back,” said Ndabambi.
The Electricians have brought in veteran defender Thomas Sweswe, who was an unused substitute, and Protasho Kabwe to try and turn things around.
Former Caps United striker Leonard Fiyado is also on his way and will make his debut for ZPC Kariba against DeMbare next week.
ZPC Kariba should have been boosted by the return of reigning Soccer Star of the Year Dennis Dauda, whose trial stint in South Africa was fruitless, but the lanky centreback had a torrid afternoon; while Triangle’s attacking trio of Pasca Manhanga, Brian “Masebho” Juwayeyi and Bakacheza was in imperious form.
Triangle assistant coach Biggie Zuze was full of praise for Bakacheza, who scored his fifth goal of the season.
“It is good to be back at the top. We fought for it and I have to give credit to the boys. We were compact and I am glad we picked up three points away from Gibbo, something that we have been struggling to do.
“Bakacheza is one of the best players in the league today, he is showing it every week. I hope the national team coaches are watching. I know one day they will give him a chance,” said Zuze.
Triangle’s next match is away to Tsholotsho.
Teams
ZPC Kariba: L. Chirava, B. Mutukure, T. Rantokoane, G. Magariro, D. Dauda, T. Munyanduri (A. Nyamiwa, 59), T. Magorimbo, P. Tafirenyika (D. Chakupe, 59), R. Madamombe (N. Mukwezaramba, 28), P. Kabwe, T. Nyamandwe
Triangle: A. Reyners, P. Tonha, N. Meson, E. Mwinga, J. Tigere, T. Chipunza, B. Juwayeyi (M. Gaki, 64), P. Manhanga (C. Kamhapa, 80), H. Mavundi, H. Bakacheza, M. Sakala (C. Denias, 37)
