FAITH NDOU
MASVINGO-Triangle Cricket Club made history on Sunday after securing qualification to the National Premier League (NPL) for the first time with a commanding 83-run victory over Golden Bulls at Ncema Country Club in Esigodini.
The landmark achievement ensures that the Lowveld will have representation in Zimbabwe’s top domestic cricket competition and caps off a remarkable rise for a club that only joined the Masvingo Cricket Association League in 2023.
After being put in to bat, Triangle built their innings around opener Zade Patel, who anchored the batting effort with a patient 92 off 129 balls.
The innings gathered momentum through Tatenda Mugore, whose explosive 51 off 45 deliveries, featuring four sixes, propelled the side to a competitive 268 all out in 44.4 overs.
Golden Bulls were also hampered by their bowling discipline, conceding 31 extras including 19 wides. Mbekezeli Moyo was the standout bowler with figures of 4 for 48 while Prosper Sibanda claimed two wickets.
Chasing 269 for victory, Golden Bulls never fully recovered after losing two early wickets with only 26 runs on the board. Captain Vincent Nyowani attempted to steady the innings with 48 runs, while Tony Mupariwa fought hard with a spirited 72.
However, the target continued to drift out of reach as Triangle’s bowlers maintained control.
Captain Sydney Murombo led from the front with figures of 3 for 34, while Sydney Mashava picked up three wickets and Tendai Sam Chisoro claimed two as Golden Bulls were dismissed for 185 in 34 overs.
The victory completed an impressive campaign for Triangle Cricket Club, who won five of their six league matches to secure a playoff berth after recovering from an opening defeat to Scorpions Cricket Club.
Player-coach Tendai Sam Chisoro expressed pride in the team’s progress.
“I feel very proud of our achievement considering where we were last season and where we are now. We have made huge strides,” said Chisoro.
“Out of six league games we won five to make it to the playoffs. After we lost our first game against Scorpions, we knew we had to beat Chiredzi and Knights to finish second and qualify for the playoffs.”
Triangle Cricket Club earned their playoff place by finishing second in the Masvingo Cricket Association League behind Scorpions Cricket Club, who qualified automatically after winning the league.
Founded in the 1960s, Triangle Cricket Club has steadily grown in stature, finishing fourth in the Farmers Cricket Tournament and runners-up in the Lowveld Breast Cancer Awareness Tournament in 2025.
Club chairman Tinashe Magocha described the qualification as a historic achievement for both the club and the wider Lowveld community.
“We are absolutely ecstatic and proud of what the team has achieved. Qualifying for the National Premier League is a historic milestone for Triangle Cricket Club and for cricket in the Lowveld,” said Magocha.
“This achievement means a great deal to the entire Lowveld community. Having NPL cricket in the region will bring top-level sporting activity to Triangle Country Club and create opportunities for local cricket enthusiasts to watch and participate in high-quality cricket.”
Looking ahead to their debut NPL campaign, Magocha said the club would focus on strengthening the squad while investing in the future through grassroots development.
He revealed that the club has partnered with several schools in Triangle and Hippo Valley to nurture young talent and create a pathway for aspiring cricketers to progress into the senior team.
Vice chairman Kelvin Tinashe Changwesha emphasized that the club’s immediate goal is to establish itself in the top flight.
“Our immediate objective is to be competitive in every match and secure our place in the league. While we respect the quality of opposition we will face, we are entering the season with confidence and ambition,” said Changwesha.
For a club that only entered league cricket three years ago, the journey to the National Premier League has been extraordinary.
With promotion secured and ambitions growing, Triangle Cricket Club now prepares to embark on a new chapter as they carry the hopes of the Lowveld onto Zimbabwe’s biggest domestic cricket stage.
The National Premier League comprises 14 clubs drawn from across Zimbabwe. Four teams Gladiators, Takashinga 1 and Takashinga 2 from Harare, and Amakhosi from Bulawayo retained automatic qualification after finishing in the top four of the previous season.
The remaining 10 places are contested through regional qualifying competitions, with provinces grouped into five regions. Harare and Mashonaland Central, Manicaland and Mashonaland East, Matabeleland South and Masvingo, Bulawayo and Matabeleland North, and Midlands and Mashonaland West.
Regional champions qualify automatically, while the runners-up compete in playoffs for the remaining spots. Triangle secured their place by emerging victorious in the Matabeleland South-Masvingo playoff, completing an extraordinary rise and earning the opportunity to compete against the country’s elite clubs.
