IN the vast, sun-drenched Lowveld, optimism is returning to Gibbo Stadium as Triangle United FC begin to show signs of revival under new coach Lloyd Chitembwe.
It has been barely two weeks since the veteran tactician took charge, but the transformation is already evident. The former Caps United title-winning coach appears to have reignited the spirit of the “Sugar Sugar Boys.”
When Chitembwe arrived, Triangle were rooted at the bottom of the table after four consecutive defeats, a run that cost Thomas Ruzive his job.
However, in just three matches, Chitembwe has lifted the side to 16th place, restoring belief in a squad that previously looked directionless.
His impact was immediate. In his first game, Triangle secured a 2–0 victory over AGAMA at Gibbo Stadium. A narrow 1–0 defeat to Hardrock followed, but the most telling performance came at the weekend against Ngezi Platinum Stars at Baobab Stadium.
Facing a side with a perfect home record and title ambitions, Triangle produced a disciplined and energetic display, coming close to all three points in a 1–1 draw. Midfielder Stephen Zhogi scored the equaliser that earned a valuable away point and silenced the home crowd.
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More importantly, the performance reflected renewed tactical organisation and attacking intent, suggesting that Triangle are beginning to shed their relegation fears.
Despite the turnaround, Chitembwe remained grounded after the match, crediting his players for quickly adapting to his methods.
“It’s a point that we are proud of going back to Triangle with. There is still a lot of work to be done, but we are making progress,” he said.
He added that the squad’s response has been key to the quick improvement.
“The credit goes to the boys. I’m just bringing in the coaching aspects—preparing information. Their application on the pitch has been unbelievable. In a very short space of time, barely 12 days, they’ve taken in so much.”
The 54-year-old coach has also revitalised key players, with Emmanuel Paga showing renewed sharpness, while Thabani Kamusoko, Kelvin Mangiza and Aaron Zeka provide experience and attacking threat.
With the mid-season transfer window approaching, Chitembwe is expected to strengthen key areas as he continues reshaping the squad.
Attention now shifts to this weekend’s fixture against struggling Manica Diamonds, where Triangle will start as favourites. Another positive result could further cement their resurgence and signal a genuine shift in their season trajectory.