DeMbare power to win over Triangle
By Oscar Rusenga
Triangle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0
Dynamos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1) 2
FOR years, Dynamos have reserved their best when they have their backs against the wall and that indomitable spirit, was on display yesterday as they downed high-flying Triangle in a Castle Lager Premiership tie at Gibbo.
The Glamour Boys arrived in the Lowveld as the underdogs, after a string of results that had not impressed the majority of their fans, and not only cost David “Yogi” Mandigora his job but had left new coach Tonderai Ndiraya under a lot of pressure.
In sharp contrast, Triangle have been a bastion of tranquillity with Zambian gaffer, Kelvin Kaindu, transforming the club from one that battled relegation last year into a unit that is challenging for the title now.
If Triangle win the championship, they will become the first team, outside Harare and Bulawayo, to be crowned champions since the late Father Davies and his St Paul’s side powered to a landmark triumph in 1966.
DeMbare are battling for immortality, hoping to become the first club to win the domestic league title in five straight seasons, and although they have been playing second fiddle to Triangle and leaders Chicken Inn, for the better part of the campaign, they flexed their muscles yesterday and showed they will not give their title without a fight.
Yesterday, Richard “Fire” Kawondera returned to Gibbo to haunt his former paymasters when he scored Dynamos’ insurance goal to ensure victory for the champions.
In-form striker, Rodreck Mutuma, continued with his good run as he gave DeMbare the lead.
“It feels good winning against a big coach like Kaindu who is doing a good job here in the Lowveld. His team is organised, it was an exciting fixture but I think we were much better than them,” said DeMbare coach Ndiraya.
“I am happy with our overall performance though I feel we could have scored more in the first half.”
Triangle’s defending was simply pathetic, Ephraim Mwinga and Charles Rukwanhi lacked intelligence, as they failed to handle Takesure Chinyama and Mutuma.
“I have seen Dynamos play, they didn’t come to the party but our defending was just pathetic and all the goals we conceded came from the defensive errors,” said Kaindu.
Triangle were the first to show their intention as early as the third minute with Tawanda Muyendi header on target but too weak to trouble the well-positioned Zimbabwe international goalkeeper Tatenda Mukuruva.
Dynamos failed to capitalise after a e mix-up between Mwinga and Ashley Reyners gifted Chinyama with a golden chance to score in the 12th minute but the striker’s goal-bound effort was cleared off the line by Jimmy Tigere.
Mutuma missed a rebound, sending his effort well over the bar, with Reyners down, and the DeMbare fans, who packed Gibbo, could not believe their eyes when the tall striker blew another glorious chance by pushing his effort wide after a perfect set-up by Ocean Mushure in the 21st minute.
Muyendi who was the only threat to Dynamos defence, missed another chance with a header after a good cross from Nelson Meson two minutes later while Pasca Manhanga failed to connect a perfect low cross from Hardlife Mavhundi.
But Mutuma could not miss, with only four minutes to half-time, beating the offside before hitting his low shot past Reyners, after Marlvin Gaki needlessly lost position in the Dynamos half and Triangle defenders were caught on the break.
Brian Juwayeyi then sent his effort inches over the bar after being set up by Manhanga in the 66th minute.
Stephen Alimenda and Carlos Rusere were resolute in the Dynamos midfield with Ronald Chitiyo well contained by Tichaona Chipunza.
DeMbare, being the champions that they are, were duly awarded for their spirited efforts in the 70th minute with the killer goal scored by a man who used to play for Triangle.
Kawondera, who was introduced six minutes earlier for Chinyama, benefitted from Triangle’s poor defending, raced clear, shrugged off the challenge from Chipunza before sending a low shot past his best friend Reyners.
Substitute Blessing Moyo unleashed a stinger that sailed over the bar after another set up by Kelvin Bulaji in the 82nd minute.
But, by then, the damage has already been done and the champions separated from the pretenders.
Teams
Triangle: A. Reyners, C. Rukwanhi, N. Meson, E. Mwinga (B. Juwayeyi 46th min), J. Tigere, H. Mavhundi (C.Denias 62nd min), T. Chipunza, M. Gaki (M. Sakala 54th min), P. Manhanga, N. Lameck, T. Muyendi
Dynamos: T. Mukuruva, G. Murwira, O. Mushure, A. Mbara (B. Moyo 51st min), E. Muroiwa, C. Rusere, R. Chitiyo, S. Alimenda, T. Chinyama (R. Kawondera 64 mins),R. Mutuma (K. Bulaji 77 mins), O. Mwerahari. The Herald
