By Delicious Mathuthu
Gweru, Zimbabwe – TelOne FC came back from an away defeat against Herentals to deliver a commanding performance against Triangle United at Ascot Stadium, winning 4-1 in a thrilling Castle Lager Premier Soccer League encounter on Saturday.
The clash saw the WiFi Boys, as TelOne is known, capitalizing on chances with clinical precision, leaving Triangle United struggling to keep pace.
Elsewhere, Saturday’s fixtures produced a mix of results, with a noticeable scarcity of goals across most venues.
Herentals played a goalless draw against Dynamos at Rufaro Stadium; and another goalless outcome between ZPC Kariba and Simba Bhora at Nyamhunga Stadium.
Bikita Minerals and MWOS FC drew 1-1 at Sakubva Stadium, FC Platinum beat Manica Diamonds 1-0 at Mandava Stadium.
Ngezi Platinum got the better of Greenfuel FC, winning 1-0 at Baobab Stadium and Yadah FC shared the spoils with Chicken Inn at the Heart Stadium, in yet another goalless draw.
On Sunday, two crucial fixtures were lined up where Caps United were beaten by PSL newcomers Scottland FC 2-0 at Rufaro Stadium in Harare and Highlanders FC convincingly crushed Midlanders, Kwekwe United FC 4-0 at Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo.
Back at Ascot Stadium in Gweru, the home team found the nets early, just 12 minutes into the game, with Tawanda Macheke converting a precise low cross from Leeroy Murape, giving TelOne the lead.
Visitors Triangle United however responded with Manford Mudzimu, scoring the equalizer in the 22nd minute, keeping the contest balanced.
As the first half neared its end, TelOne reclaimed the lead through Bruno Mtigo’s well-taken goal in the 44th minute, making it 2-1 at halftime in favour of the hosts.
The second half saw a series of tactical adjustments by the Wifi Boys coach Herbert Maruwa, introducing Blessing Sahondo and Washington Navaya in the 60th minute.
The changes proved pivotal as Navaya found the back of the net in the 75th minute, heading in a perfectly swung cross from Sahondo to extend TelOne’s lead to 3-1.
Triangle United had a golden opportunity to draw level earlier in the 67th minute when Mudzimu was fouled in the box by Mtigo.
Taking his own penalty, Mudzimu’s attempt soared over the bar, a moment that seemed to deflate the visitors’ spirit.
The final blow came in the 90th minute when TelOne was awarded a penalty taken by Sahondo.
Although Sahondo’s initial attempt was blocked by Triangle’s goalkeeper, Hamilton Makaingwana, the forward was quick to pounce on the rebound to seal the victory at 4-1.
TelOne coach, Herbert Maruwa, expressed satisfaction with the victory but said the team is still a work in progress.
“It’s still work in progress, I am happy the goals came, but we are still trying to find a good combination,” Maruwa said.
“I’m happy with the way the guys responded after the Herentals game. We have new guys who came in, those who were here, so we’re trying to gel and have a good team. Gradually we’ll get there.”
Maruwa also highlighted the depth of his squad, mentioning key players who are yet to feature prominently for his side.
“We still have good players. You see, we have Nigel Makumbe, Panashe Mtasa, Lucky Ndlela who are still to play. But we need to gel them to make a good team,” he said.
Triangle United coach, Luke Masomere, on the other hand was visibly disappointed with the outcome, lamenting his team’s failure to execute their game plan.
“It’s a big disappointment on my part as a coach because how we planned this game is not how we played it,” Masomere said.
“I really don’t know what transpired with my guys, but we started the game very well and our first half was better than the second half.”
Masomere lamented the missed penalty that could have altered the match’s momentum.
“We had chances ourselves. Like the penalty, if we had converted, maybe it was going to change the complexion of the game. But we can’t talk much about that.
“We have to regroup and make sure that at least we work hard and start collecting maximum points,” he said.
Masomere acknowledged the pressure mounting after two consecutive losses but remained hopeful.
“Pressure is always there, whether you are winning or losing. It’s nice also sometimes to lose because when you go back, you know where to correct.
“We have a lot of work to do when we go back to make sure that at least we also convert the numerous chances that we get into goals,” he said
Warriors Head Coach, Michael Nees, was also spotted at Ascot Stadium alongside newly elected Zimbabwe Football Association Board Member, Professor Thomas Marambanyika.
Coach Nees is said to be keenly interested in Triangle United’s Munashe Bamara.
Meanwhile, the Premier Soccer League has fined Scottland FC a total of US$2,250 for breaching league rules.
The fines include US$2,000 for failing to control their fans, who caused damage to the VIP section during a match against Triangle United last week, and US$250 for the late submission of team sheets, which disrupted the broadcast.
