Online Reporter
Ray Bande in Mutare
EVANS Kamombo bankrolled Manica Diamonds have none, but themselves to blame for failing to snatch maximum points after not only dominating the encounter, but also making a mess of clear-cut scoring opportunities that came their way.
The match against Highlanders at Sakubva Stadium yesterday ended goalless.
Manica Diamonds head coach Patrick Mandizha admitted that his boys lacked the cutting edge in front of goal.
The former Shabanie Mine player said the point gained will help ease their way out of the murky waters of relegation.
“I think there is some level of technical proficiency that is needed in front of goal at this stage of the game, and we badly lacked that. We could have easily buried our opponents, especially in the first half after creating a number of clear-cut scoring opportunities, but we dismally failed,” said Mandizha.
“We just have to continue working hard on the areas we are lacking and hope that we will get it right in forthcoming matches. The single point that we got will help us in the fight to move away from the relegation zone, and we are looking forward to doing much better.”
His opposite number Benjani Mwaruwari admitted that yesterday’s draw, the tenth of the season, is not the ideal result he yearned for.
“It is unfortunate that the match had to end this way, settling for a draw once again. Yes, there is some kind of pressure that comes with such results, but at the end of the day, it is better that we picked a point away from home.
“But I should say I was not impressed with how we played. I should say I am not happy with our performance. Manica Diamonds dominated us, especially in the first half, and we were just flat, not showing any signs of resistance. We just have to go back and work on the areas we let ourselves down,” said Mwaruwari.
Of all the misses witnessed yesterday, the 16th minute Benedict Sithole’s shot off target while facing a yawning net with Highlanders goalkeeper Aaron Ngwenya an already beaten man was shocking.
In an era where match officiating appears to have gone to the dogs, Norton based referee Tichaona Mbire’s performance was a beacon of hope for better referring in domestic football.
The Norton based referee’s game management was spectacular as he stamped authority from the first whistle.
Although Manica Diamonds still have a lot to learn in managing their gates as some fans only managed to gain entrance as late as at half-time, the match witnessed improved fans’ attendance at Sakubva Stadium and Minister of Defence Oppah Muchinguri’s olive branch in paying for the first 1 000 fans came in handy.
