By Tapiwa Chawagarira
Gibbo_Triangle United’s battle to preserve their Castle Lager Premier Soccer League status suffered another major setback on Sunday after a 1-0 defeat to Herentals FC at Gibbo Stadium, a result that leaves the Sugar Sugar Boys firmly rooted at the bottom of the table and facing an increasingly uphill battle to avoid relegation.
The decisive moment came in the 48th minute when Milton Chimedza rose above the Triangle defence to power home a well-headed strike, handing Herentals all three points and condemning the hosts to yet another painful defeat.
The result leaves the Lowveld side on just 11 points from 21 matches, having managed only two wins, five draws and 14 defeats this season. Triangle have scored a league-low 13 goals while conceding 29, statistics that underline the struggles which have plagued their campaign.
Away from the action on the pitch, attention was firmly fixed on the presence of former Dynamos coach Genesis Mangombe, who watched the match from the grandstands.
Mangombe has been strongly linked with a return to Triangle United after his suspension by Dynamos FC. Reports from several local media outlets indicate that the experienced coach has already been in Chiredzi, taking charge of training sessions and working closely with the players as the club seeks to rescue its season. However, Triangle United are yet to officially announce his appointment, with sources indicating that contractual matters involving his exit from Dynamos are still being resolved before he can formally assume his duties on match days.
His absence from the technical area resulted in one of the most unusual benches seen in the Premier Soccer League this season. Kit manager Pardon Chinungwa led the team from the technical area, assisted by team doctor James Mugwizi, physiotherapist Edson Padare, and medic Adam Chasepa. The absence of recognised coaching personnel exposed significant gaps within the club’s technical structure, with Triangle United’s executive offering no explanation regarding the incomplete bench.
The defeat further dents Triangle’s survival hopes. The Sugar Sugar Boys remain rooted at the foot of the table, nine points behind ZPC Kariba, who occupy the final safe position, with just 13 matches remaining. Although survival remains mathematically possible, the margin for error has virtually disappeared, and the club now requires a remarkable turnaround while hoping results elsewhere work in their favour.
With uncertainty still surrounding the technical setup and valuable points continuing to slip away, Triangle United are edging dangerously close to an immediate return to Division One. The anticipated arrival of Mangombe may yet provide fresh belief, but unless the off-field issues are resolved quickly and results improve dramatically, the Sugar Sugar Boys face the grim prospect of ending their long stay in Zimbabwe’s top flight.
