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Bruce Chikuni Sports Reporter
MANICA Diamonds have been given a lift by forward Fortune Binzi’s return to action ahead of their Chibuku Super Cup first round fixture against Black Rhinos at Gibbo this Saturday.
Binzi, who led the PSL top goal scorers’ charts for much of the first half of the season, has been out for the last six weeks after he fractured left-hand radius bone.
The Gem Boys coach Jairos Tapera said Binzi will be in contention to feature in Manica Diamonds’ offensive unit.
And, Tapera could not have asked for a better time to get his fine hitman back as this will help their cause in the country’s flagship knockout competition.
Gerald Bero had filled the void in Binzi’s absence and netted three times.
Before this lengthy spell in the stands, Binzi was leading the Castle Lager Premiership scoring chart with eight goals.
And, despite not being in the field for six weeks, only Bulawayo Chiefs’ Obriel Chirinda has surpassed his tally with just a goal.
The odds will also favour the Gem Boys to progress to the next stage of the competition as they have also acquired the signature of highly-rated former Dynamos striker, Tawanda Macheke.
“It was a difficult challenge for Binzi who was enjoying a good run and he now has a big task ahead of him to regain the rhythm.
“Black Rhinos are a good side and success is not guaranteed in a cup game, we have to be at our best to make it to the next round of the tournament.
“I think his return has given us a huge boost and more options upfront, it’s every coach’s wish to have every player available for selection,” said Tapera.
Chauya Chipembere are currently at the bottom of the PSL table but they did put up a good show to eliminate Sheasham in the preliminary round playoffs on Wednesday at Baobab.
They are going into this assignment as underdogs but their coach, Saul Chaminuka said their spirited fight against the Construction Boys instilled hope in his camp.
“We have started well in this tournament and we have a chance to cause an upset if we can replicate the fighting spirit we exhibited against Sheasham.
“The boys are believing that we have a chance and it’s all that we can play for in this campaign.
“If we can do well in this tournament, it will also give us much confidence to get ourselves out of the relegation,” said Chaminuka.
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