David Mandigora
Oscar Rusenga in Triangle
Triangle 0-0 Ngezi Platinum
TRIANGLE coach David “Yogi” Mandigora could not find a winning formula to revenge a 3-1 defeat to his former “pupil” Tonderai Ndiraya as Ngezi Platinum held his side to a goalless draw in this Castle Lager Premiership soccer match at Gibbo yesterday.
Triangle were unlucky not to score as early as the fourth minute when everybody missed Marvellous Mukumba’s perfect cross in what was the only chance created between the two sides in the first half.
The home side was, however, on top of their game as man-of-the-match Tawanda Mapungwana controlled the midfield in his first full debut after another impressive display when he came on as a substitute in Triangle’s midweek fixture against Highlanders.
Ngezi came close to scoring direct from a corner kick in the 40th minute when Ronald Mudimu had to stretch to tip over Talent Chamboko’s effort.
Nelson Maziwisa, who played as a lone striker for the Lowveld side, headed over the bar from a corner kick in the 50th minute before Mapungwana’s rasping effort from 20 yards went inches over three minutes later.
Ngezi Platinum coach Ndiraya made the first tactical substitution 10 minutes into the second half, bringing on Washington Pakamisa for Kenneth Bulaji but the the substitute failed to change anything as the Triangle rearguard refused to budge.
Triangle fullbacks Rodwell Mhlanga and Zimbabwe Under-20 international Derwin Phiri had a fantastic afternoon and played well in Mandigora’s preferred 3-5-2 formation and Mhlanga was unlucky not to put his name on the scoresheet as his effort in the 72nd minute went inches wide with the young Nelson Chadya, in goals for Ngezi, a well beaten man.
Mandigora’s two only mid-season signings Nathan Ziwini and Kudzai Machazani were given a run but did not live up to expectations as they looked rusty.
Ndiraya was happy with the point gained away from home against what he called an experienced Triangle side.
“It was a very difficult game against an experienced Triangle side. Of course we came here to work for something and I’m glad we got something. I’m happy my boys fought hard, we lost a bit of rhythm coming from the break but I’m happy we didn’t concede a goal and with a little bit of lucky, we could have scored at least one goal to win the match.
“I hope our mid-season signings will add a bit of experience and competition. Partson Jaure and Bryron Madzokere will help strengthen our defence further as we remain focused on our target of avoiding the chop,” Ndiraya said.
His opposite number and former mentor Mandigora was not happy with his team’s lack of fire-power but hopes their next match against Chapungu will give them another opportunity for a better showing.
“We are failing to convert our chances and we’ve now gone two games without a goal.
“We are also not creating enough chances and we need a bit of creativity in the middle of the park and we hope our new signings will help in that regard,” Mandigora said.