Online Reporter
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
CASTLE Lager Premiership outfit, Manica Diamonds, deserve the support of all progressive football followers in Manicaland – individuals and corporates – as they fight to evade relegation in the remaining eight rounds, says club owner, Evans Kamombo.
The Premiership takes a break this weekend to pave way for the Chibuku Super Cup second round, a competition Manica Diamonds are already out of.
The Mutare-based side, languishing deep in the relegation zone, will host Ngezi Platinum at Sakubva Stadium next weekend before an away date against Agama.
The Herbert Maruwa-coached team will then face Hunters and TelOne FC, before closing the season with fixtures against Highlanders, Bulawayo Chiefs, Dynamos and MWOS.
Kamombo believes survival remains possible, but insists the task requires collective backing.
“Manica Diamonds belongs to the people of Manicaland. It is a platform to showcase youth talent. It is a source of sporting entertainment. It is basically a symbol of the hopes and aspirations of the people of Manicaland, and one project that must unite the province. It is against this background that this project deserves the support of all people in Manicaland – individuals and companies.
“It is clear from the log table that we still have everything to fight for. We can still evade relegation. All we need to do is pull in one direction as a province. This project must unite us. We are now at a stage where we need everyone in Manicaland to play their part to ensure we do not lose our Premiership slot,” said Kamombo.
Maruwa said the shift to cup competitions offers a refreshing breather in the survival battle, adding that victory in the Munhumutapa Cup Round of 32 against Simba Bhora atoned for the early Chibuku Super Cup exit.
“The cup competitions will give us a break from league action and that will help us prepare for our survival mission. Winning the Munhumutapa Cup Round of 32 match against Simba Bhora was enough atonement for the early Chibuku Super Cup exit.
“It would have been bad to exit both competitions at the opening stage. That would have affected our confidence and that effect could have been felt in the fight against relegation. Therefore, we are happy that, at least, we managed to keep our place in the Munhumutapa Cup,” said Maruwa.
With 24 points to play for before the curtain comes down on the 2026 Castle Lager Premiership season, Manica Diamonds are still entertaining hopes of surviving the dreaded chop of relegation.
