Dream start for Tapera

Bruce Chikuni

MANICA Diamonds boss, Jairos Tapera, made his mark in his first assignment by sinking Harare City deeper into the relegation waters.

Tapera was appointed early this month after the dismissal of Johanisi Nhumwa.

He was made to wait until last Thursday to start working for his new paymasters.

Before the weekend’s 2-0 victory over the Sunshine Boys, Manica Diamonds had failed to score in their past five fixtures.

But, the introduction of Tapera appears to have breathed life into the Gem Boys’ camp.

He said he has not set any target for the remainder of the season.

He insisted he wants to give everyone a chance to prove they want to be part of the team next season.

“It’s quite a massive relief that the boys have finally scored.

“That was our main worry, so we are now using the remaining games to see who wants to be with us next season,” said Tapera.

“We are not under any pressure to produce results, but we have already started our preparations for the next campaign.”

Before his move to the Mutare side, Tapera had been hailed for assembling a solid Triangle side.

Triangle are just eight points off the top four spot with three games remaining in the season.

Tapera’s men are going to be tested this weekend when they take on Black Rhinos.

The army side played a goalless draw against Ngezi Platinum Stars.

Rhinos are two points above the ninth-placed Gem Boys.

There was nothing to separate the two sides in the reverse fixture, as they settled for a goalless draw.