Online Reporter
Africa Moyo
Zimpapers Sports Hub
A significant chapter in Zimbabwean football has come to an end after the Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company (ZCDC) announced the conclusion of its sponsorship of Premier Soccer League side Manica Diamonds.
The Mutare-based club, popularly known as the Gem Boys, rose from Division One obscurity to become one of the country’s competitive topflight sides under ZCDC’s backing.
Formed in 2017, Manica Diamonds joined the Eastern Region Division One League in 2018 and earned promotion into the Premier Soccer League after an impressive unbeaten campaign.
Their arrival in the topflight generated excitement across Manicaland Province, with fans eager to see how the newcomers would compete against established teams.
The club quickly settled into the PSL and exceeded expectations by finishing in the top four in their debut season.
Over the years, Manica Diamonds built a reputation as a disciplined and ambitious side capable of challenging bigger clubs.
Beyond football, the sponsorship became an important corporate social investment initiative for ZCDC, with the club providing opportunities for young footballers while promoting sports development in the province.
In a statement this Tuesday, ZCDC confirmed the end of its association with the club following a decision by members to sell the franchise.
“Manica Diamonds FC, popularly known as the “Gem Boys was established in 2017 and joined Division 1 in 2018 and got promoted after excelling in the Eastern Division zone,” said ZCDC.
“The club is owned by members and ZCDC respects the decision by members to sell the franchise instead of seeking a new owner.
“As ZCDC, we took the Gem Boys as one of our key corporate social investment projects and we have been the sponsor since then up until now. Our era has come to an end.
“Our partnership with Manica Diamonds was a successful journey and we are proud of the successes we achieved together. We are proud to have sponsored a new generation of Young Gems by offering them opportunities that have and will continue to change their livelihoods. Going forward, we wish the Gem Boys the best of success.”
During its years in the PSL, Manica Diamonds helped develop several players and became a source of pride for football fans in the eastern region.
The end of ZCDC’s sponsorship signals the close of a memorable era for the club, with attention now shifting to what the future holds for the Gem Boys following the sale of the franchise.
