DeMbare coach hires bouncers

By Eddie Chikamhi

Dynamos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0) 1

Triangle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0) 1

DYNAMOS coach David “Yogi” Mandigora is worried by the Glamour Boys’ poor form at home after his side had to fight hard in the dying moments to salvage a point against Triangle in a Castle Lager Premiership soccer match at the National Sports Stadium yesterday.

Mandigora, who has been a target of a section of the club’s supporters, was yesterday escorted to and from the pitch by bouncers following last week’s incident at Rufaro when a group of supporters opposed to the coach called for his sacking when DeMbare played a goalless home draw with Tsholotsho.

It looked things could get nasty for him again yesterday after the supporters at the “Vietnam” bay went into overdrive during the second half chanting damning songs, specially composed for the veteran coach as DeMbare were trailing 1-0.

The supporters were not happy as their side always played second fiddle to the visitors who looked more enterprising. Despite the campaign against Mandigora, DeMbare are still looking good on the log standings.

Triangle, to their credit, enjoyed much of the ball and were firmly on the driving seat in the 64th minute when substitute Felix Kuswatuka pounced on a rebound by goalkeeper Artwell Mukandi from a set-piece.

Mandigora, however, was a relieved man when fullback Ocean Mushure levelled terms on the stroke of full-time when his long-range free-kick deceived goalkeeper Ronald Mudimu.

The 58-year-old coach was happy with the draw which saw the defending champions rise back into second position on the log standings.

The point, however, was not enough to close the gap between them and log leaders Chicken Inn who are now four points clear at the top of the table with 26 points.

DeMbare were coming from another home draw following last week’s goalless draw with Tsholotsho.

“I’m worried because we are dropping points especially at home. We would have loved to have a win today but there was nothing we could do.

“We need to improve our passing especially upfront, we are losing possession too much,” said Mandigora.

“It was a tough game for us and I think the guys showed character. They worked hard to get a result. Otherwise we could have lost 1-0. We didn’t play very well, we didn’t create many chances. We played a very good side. So I think it is fair because my boys worked hard today.”

The result also meant that Triangle coach Kelvin Kaindu will have to wait for another opportunity to get his first win over Dynamos. The Zambian coach has never beaten Dynamos in his coaching career and it looked he was on course yesterday.

After a goalless opening half, Kaindu’s 57th minute double substitution of Kuswatuka and Marvelous Mukumba paid dividends when the Lowveld side won a free-kick just outside the penalty box, courtesy of a handball by Dynamos skipper Augustine Mbara.

Praise Tonha took the responsibility with a hard-and-low short which Mukandi punched back into play. Kuswatuka was the quickest to react and the veteran forward made no mistake from close-range.

DeMbare were second to the ball most of the time but they could have stolen the lead in the 47th minute when Oscar Machapa beat his markers and unleashed a ferocious shot from the edge of the box but his rising effort was denied by the crossbar.

The Glamour Boys were, however, rewarded for their resilience when substitute Masimba Mambare was brought down outside the box. Mushure stepped up and curled home the ball that evaded everybody in a crowded area to nestle into the far corner after the goalkeeper was beaten by the bounce.

Triangle assistant coach Biggie Zuze said they defended poorly and were punished on that instance. Triangle had lost their previous two games and were on course for a result to comfort their souls.

“There was a lapse in concentration. That ball didn’t look dangerous at all. I don’t know how it bounced and we gave away the goal but overall we are happy with the way we played today,” said Zuze.

“We are happy for the boys and I think it was good for us to get a point away from home especially against a team like Dynamos,” said Zuze.

Teams

Dynamos: A. Mukandi, G. Murwira, O. Mushure, A. Mbare, S. Linyama, S. Alimenda, W. Mukanga, R. Chitiyo, O. Machapa (M. Mambare, 68th minute), C. Rusere (F. Mupasiri, 68th minute), P. Khumbula (D. Chungwa, 77th minute)

Triangle: R. Mudimu, P. Tonha, N. Meson, J. Tigere, C. Rukwanhi, T. Chipunza, P. Manhanga, H. Mavundi, H. Bakacheza (M. Mukumba, 57th minute), R. Kawondera (F. Kuswatuka, 57th minute), N. Lameck (C. Ngondonga, 77th minute) The Herald