By Tapiwa Chawagarira
TRIANGLE- AS the Eastern Region Soccer League (ERSL) season winds down, FC Wangu Mazodze’s hopes of promotion to the Premier Soccer League are hanging by a thread.
Once comfortably leading by 10 points, the team now sits second, one point behind Triangle United, which is also vying for Premier League promotion, and three points ahead of Tenax CS FC.
With only two games remaining, questions arise about Wangu Mazodze’s faltering title challenge. Recent allegations against the club threaten to derail their championship aspirations.
The ERSL charge sheet details serious accusations that Mazodze’s representatives attempted to influence the outcomes of matches against Triangle United and Chiredzi Stars. This has raised concerns about a possible link between the allegations and the team’s recent slump.
The timing of Wangu Mazodze’s decline is striking. After a strong start, they have struggled to secure points in recent weeks. Head Coach John Nyikadzino’s tactical decisions, including late substitutions and defensive lapses, have drawn criticism.
Growing concerns exist about internal tensions and power struggles within the club’s management. Sources close to the team suggest a rift between the board and players may be hindering the team’s performance. These tensions echo last season’s experiences, raising fears of a repeat.
Wangu Mazodze’s recent decline begs the question: Are they repeating last year’s mistakes? After a strong first half, they faltered at the end of the season, allowing rivals to capitalise.
Similar to Arsenal’s struggles in the English Premier League, Wangu Mazodze’s title hopes are unravelling at a critical juncture. Their inability to handle pressure is costing them, and Triangle United, under experienced coach Luke Masomere, has capitalised on their slip.
In an interview, FC Wangu Mazodze Chairman Trevor Chateuka said that despite recent disappointing results, the team plans to regroup and was optimistic about winning the remaining matches.
“We approach each game with a fresh perspective and a tailored strategy. Our team has been putting in relentless effort, training tirelessly to secure victories in the remaining matches. Every player in the squad is eager to secure a win,” he said.
“I understand the recent result was disappointing, but I’m confident that this weekend will bring a change in fortune. I guarantee that our team will come out on top and secure a win for our loyal supporters.”
With just two matches remaining, FC Wangu Mazodze now faces an uphill battle to salvage their top-flight aspirations. The burning question: Can they regroup, put aside their internal struggles, and rediscover the form that made them seem unstoppable earlier in the season? Or will they, like Arsenal in the past, fail to perform when it matters most?
As Wangu Mazodze’s premiership hopes slip, Triangle United head coach Luke Masomere remains confident despite the pressure from Mazodze and Tenax.
“We have always said the season is not over until the final whistle blows. The pressure is real, but it’s how you handle it that makes the difference. Our players have stayed focused and committed, and that’s what has kept us on track. We know the title is ours but we are not taking others for granted. We still have to finish strong,” he said.
“Wangu Mazodze have been a strong side all season, and we know they have the quality to bounce back. But we have had our own challenges, and what’s important now is maintaining our momentum. The only thing we can control is our own performance, and that’s where our focus remains.”
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