Mangombe Leads Triangle United Out of Relegation Zone

Genesis Mangombe is quietly orchestrating one of the most remarkable turnarounds in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League this season.

When he assumed the head coach role at Triangle United, the team had managed just a single point from six matches in their return to top-flight football. With such a poor start, the Sugar Sugar Boys were widely tipped to go straight back down, even before the season reached its halfway mark.

This dismal run led to the dismissal of then-coach Luke Masomere, the first managerial casualty of the 2025 campaign.

Triangle spent a staggering 24 weeks languishing in the relegation zone — until last weekend, when they stunned FC Platinum with a 2-0 victory at Gibbo Stadium. The win saw them climb to 28 points, finally moving one spot above the drop zone for the first time this season.

Though Mangombe admits survival is far from guaranteed, he praised his players for their resilience and growing belief.

Veteran midfielders Thabani Kamusoko and Ali Sadiki have been key to Triangle’s revival, while youngster Munashe Bamara has stepped up with crucial contributions — including an assist for Elton Njini’s opener against FC Platinum. Praise Machengete sealed the result with a second goal.

Mangombe attributes the team’s improved performances to collective effort across all levels of the club.

“A football team is not just about players. It includes everyone — the technical staff, security personnel, and the club’s executive. We’re all pulling in the same direction,” he said.

Triangle United is now unbeaten since May 31, boasting four wins and eight draws during that run.

Reflecting on his early days at the club, Mangombe said:
“When I came in, I had to change many things that I believed were behind the team’s poor form. We had just one point from six games — now we’re competing.”

He noted that the team has become more balanced and dangerous across the pitch. “We’re now scoring from all areas, including defenders.”

The former Dynamos, Scottland, and Yadah Stars coach believes that competition within the squad — fueled by recent signings — has played a big part in the team’s resurgence.

Players like Partson Jaure and Nomore Chinyerere, both former Dynamos defenders, joined during the July transfer window and have added much-needed experience and depth.

“The competition for places has become intense. We now have a selection headache, which is a good problem to have,” Mangombe noted.

Triangle’s next challenge is a tricky fixture away to ZPC Kariba on Saturday.

“It won’t be easy, but at least the climate in Kariba is similar to what we have in Triangle — hot and humid — so we’ll be comfortable with the conditions,” he said.

“Our focus remains on the task at hand. Every match is crucial. On a good day, we can beat anyone. We’ll tackle each game one step at a time.”

Thanks to their steady climb, Triangle now sit 11th on the league table, ahead of clubs like Dynamos, Yadah, Manica Diamonds, GreenFuel, CAPS United, and Chicken Inn.

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Source-TheZimbabweTimes