Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi
Zimpapers Sports Hub
MANICA Diamonds may be fighting a losing battle in their Castle Lager Premiership survival bid, but the Gem Boys are refusing to surrender their season without a fight as they turn their attention to the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup.
The Manicaland side face a daunting round-of-16 assignment against CAPS United at Rufaro on Sunday, but coach Hebert Maruwa believes the knock-out competition presents an opportunity to salvage pride from an otherwise difficult campaign.
On paper, the odds favour Makepekepe, who have won each of the last five meetings between the two sides.
However, the Gem Boys are drawing inspiration from the unpredictable nature of cup football as they chase a place in the quarter-finals.
Maruwa said his team was fully committed to making a strong run in the country’s richest knock-out competition.
“Firstly, we are happy to have progressed to this stage, and now we have to focus on the job at hand,” said Maruwa.
“Remember, this is the biggest knock-out tournament in domestic football, so we have to work hard and make our mark.
“Obviously, it is not going to be easy playing CAPS United away from home, but our immediate target is to reach the quarter-finals and then take it one game at a time.
“We have spoken to the players and reminded them that, although we have not done well in the league, we are not a bad team. Cup matches are different from league games. The team that performs on the day carries the day.
“We also need that spark to boost our confidence for the remaining league matches. You never know what could happen.”
Manica Diamonds have endured a frustrating season and are facing the real possibility of relegation for the first time since gaining promotion to the top flight six years ago.
Their position is difficult to explain, with players such as Lawrence Masibhera, Ask Rupande, Phillip Kaseke, Darrel Zulu, Carlos Mavhurume, Kelvin Bingala, Polyester Shoko, Anelka Chivandire and Liberty Musveure in their arsenal.
Yet, despite the recent exit from the Chibuku Super Cup, club chairman Leslie Chipunza insists the team has not lost belief.
“We have always believed that we are not a bad team. Unfortunately, we have not been getting the results we deserve, and that is why we find ourselves in this position,” said Chipunza.
“Perhaps it has something to do with mentality because these players went through a lot before the change of ownership.
“You can see that the winning mentality is still missing, but we have been providing all the support necessary for the team to succeed. Sometimes change takes time to produce results.
“I am convinced that once this team clicks, it will become very difficult to play against.
“It is unfortunate that the fixtures are coming thick and fast while we are battling relegation. We need to improve our mental strength as quickly as possible.
“We have told the players that every game from now on is a must-win encounter. Perhaps the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup can provide the turning point we need.”
Recent history, however, offers little encouragement for the Gem Boys.
Manica Diamonds have failed to score against CAPS United in their last five meetings, losing all of those encounters. Earlier this season, Makepekepe completed a double over the Gem Boys, winning both league matches 2-0.
Yet CAPS United have also struggled for consistency during the campaign, a factor that ultimately derailed their own ambitions of challenging for the Premiership crown.
Like their opponents, the Green Machine now see the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup as a realistic route to silverware and continental football.
Assistant coach Ian Bakala told Zimpapers Sports Hub in a previous interview that the Harare giants are determined to become the inaugural winners of the competition, which carries a US$1 million first prize and a CAF Confederation Cup ticket.
“Winning a cup is always a target, and that is not something we can hide,” said Bakala.
“The objective is to win this competition. It is a very important tournament for everyone. If you look at the way the players are training, you can see they are highly motivated.
“It is not about how many goals we score. It is about winning and progressing. We are looking forward to the game,” said Bakala.
