Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda-Zimpapers Sports Hub
A TOTAL of 10 teams have represented Manicaland province in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League since the top flight’s inception 33 years ago.
Tanganda, Mutare United, Buffaloes, Eastern Lions, Highway, Dongo Sawmill, Mutare City Rovers, Tenax, Manica Diamonds and GreenFuel have played in the elite league since 1993.
The now defunct Tanganda remain the most successful of the lot following their triumph in the Castle Cup in 1993.
They shocked CAPS United 7-6 after a penalty shootout, in front of a packed National Sports Stadium and their achievement remains one of the best football memories for the people of Manicaland.
While Tanganda were the first team from Manicaland to play top-flight football, Manica Diamonds have in recent years been trying to safeguard the province’s relevance and legacy in the elite league.
Promoted in 2019, Manica Diamonds have been a consistent figure, and nearly won the championship in 2023, when they finished second behind champions Ngezi Platinum Stars.
The Gem Boys are battling to move away from the relegation zone ahead of the second half of the 2026 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.
They are second from bottom with 12 points from 17 games.
An average of 40 points has ensured safety for PSL teams in the last five or so seasons, meaning Manica Diamonds will need to collect at least 28 points in their last 17 assignments. Quite an onerous task for a team that managed less than half of that in the first half of the season.
But Manica Diamonds have no option.
They have to preserve their Premiership status for the sake of Mutare City and Manicaland Province at large.
Relegation has so many implications, given what top-flight football can bring to an area in terms of the economy, visibility and pride. Interestingly, Manicaland province is the second largest after Harare, in terms of population.
As Manica Diamonds prepare to face 2024 champions Simba Bhora at Wadzanai this afternoon, there are concerted efforts to save The Gem Boys, led by current club president Evans Kamombo.
“At whatever cost, we are going to fight and make sure Manica Diamonds avoid relegation,” said Kamombo, who took over the reins in April.
Several executive appointments have also been made including those of new chairman Tinashe Chipunza and secretary Taurai Kandishaya.
Seasoned businessman and technocrat Mberikwazvo Chitambo is now the club’s patron.
Since the reshuffles, Manica Diamonds’ fortunes have slightly changed.
Whereas they managed just two points in their opening 10 games, they have now picked up 10 points in their last seven games.
“We all know that Manicaland is the second largest province of the nation by population, so we cannot afford to have a big province like that which does not have Premiership football,” stressed Kamombo.
Manica Diamonds coach Patrick Mandizha also appears to be reading from the same page as club president Kamombo.
“We got off to a very poor start, we dropped quite a number of valuable points in our first 10 games, only managing two points.
“But the performance is gradually improving and we are collecting vital points,” said Mandizha.
