Barely a week after escaping a tense and nerve-wracking relegation battle, Dynamos and Triangle United return to the spotlight this afternoon as they square off in the Chibuku Super Cup final at Gibbo Stadium. The two sides, who spent much of the 2025 Premier Soccer League season dangerously close to the drop zone, now find themselves one match away from salvaging their campaigns with silverware and a ticket to continental football.
For both clubs, today’s showdown represents an unexpected shot at redemption. Despite their struggles throughout the season, Dynamos and Triangle managed to regroup toward the end, securing survival only on the final day. Now, with league frustrations behind them, attention has shifted to the country’s premier knockout competition — a trophy that has provided relief and joy for teams in difficult seasons before.
Dynamos enter the final chasing history. Victory this afternoon would see the Harare giants lift the Chibuku Super Cup for a third consecutive year, a feat never achieved since the tournament’s reintroduction. The Glamour Boys have traditionally thrived in knockout football, but their biggest hurdle today is not just the pressure of expectations — it is Gibbo Stadium, a venue that has not been kind to them in recent years.
Remarkably, Dynamos have not beaten Triangle at Gibbo since 2016, a statistic that adds intrigue to the final. The stadium, nestled deep in the Lowveld, has often been described as one of the toughest away grounds in Zimbabwean football, and Triangle’s familiarity with its conditions could once again be a decisive factor.
For Triangle United, this final is more than a chance to add another trophy to the cabinet — it is an opportunity to return to the continental stage. The club famously won the Chibuku Super Cup in 2018, the only other time they hosted the final at Gibbo, defeating Harare City 2–0 in a performance still remembered fondly by home supporters. As they prepare for another final in familiar territory, confidence within the camp is high.
Adding further intrigue is the presence of Triangle head coach Genesis Mangombe, a man with deep connections to the opposition. Mangombe guided Dynamos to the Chibuku Super Cup title in 2023 before being shown the exit last year. Now, just over a year later, he stands on the opposite side, aiming to deny his former club an historic treble.
Dynamos, Triangle clash in high-stakes Chibuku Super Cup final after dramatic relegation survival
Mangombe is not the only link between the two sides. Triangle’s squad includes former Dynamos players Ali Maliselo and Nomore Chinyerere, while the coach himself has previously worked with most of the Dynamos players he will face this afternoon. His intimate knowledge of their strengths, weaknesses and tactical tendencies could offer Triangle a crucial edge.
The match also carries broader implications. Whichever team lifts the trophy will automatically secure Zimbabwe’s spot in the 2026 CAF Confederation Cup, adding a continental dimension to an already high-pressure occasion. For clubs that struggled domestically, returning to African competition would be a significant and unexpected triumph.
Dynamos, despite their league inconsistencies, remain one of the country’s most supported teams and will look to draw on their big-match mentality. Their fans, who endured a difficult season filled with inconsistent performances and off-field tensions, see the Chibuku final as one last chance for the squad to restore pride to the blue camp. For the players, it is an opportunity to finish the year on a high and add another medal to a club that measures itself by trophies.
Triangle, meanwhile, have shown resilience throughout the campaign. Their ability to regroup late in the season and secure survival demonstrated determination — a quality that could serve them well in a cup final. Playing at home, in front of supporters who have witnessed both struggle and resurgence, the Lowveld side will be determined to make the most of this rare opportunity.
With so many storylines woven into one match, today’s final promises drama, intensity and possibly another chapter of knockout magic. Tactical battles, emotional narratives and the lure of continental football combine to set the stage for what could be one of the most memorable Chibuku Super Cup finales in years.
Source- Herald
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