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Tadious Manyepo
Sports Reporter
RELENTLESS Manica Diamonds are looking to cruise on, when they face Highlanders at Barbourfields this afternoon.
But the fixture will have more than just three points to fight for, as the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League’s leading scorers, Lynoth Chikuhwa and Michael Tapera, will aim to outwit each other as well.
Bosso’s Chikuhwa has six goals under his belt while Manica Diamonds ace, Tapera, has hit the nets five times this term. And the two know they have extra responsibilities to earn their respective teams the maximum points.
“We have somehow lost our touch, that touch which we showed in the opening phases of the season. But it’s not all lost.
“We still have a huge room to improve and be where we were back then,” said Chikuhwa.
“Manica Diamonds were the complete opposite, when we were doing well in those opening stretches of the season, but they put on the work and they now lead the standings.
“We have endured a dark spell but we can still put our act together and ensure that we start playing well and winning games again.
“I know, as a senior player, the responsibility is big. I am currently leading the scoring charts but all that won’t mean anything if Highlanders are not winning. I love to score and help the team win games. Manica Diamonds have a very good squad and we need to play well if we are to win the match,” said Chikuhwa.
Manica Diamonds coach Jairos Tapera, who won the Coach of the Month award for April after leading his team to five straight wins for the month, has already won two this month.
And he is looking at keeping it intact although he knows the test presented by Highlanders will be sterner.
“We have been playing very well as a team, posting very important results. We are trying by all means to keep the momentum,” said Tapera.
“We need to win as many games as possible. It’s going to be very difficult playing against Highlanders. They are one of the biggest traditional giants in local football.
“They will also be playing at home and that 12th man will contribute a lot to their advantage.
“They have one of the most seasoned coaches in the country in Kelvin Kaindu and we expect a tough challenge.
“But we are going there to compete. We have a very competitive and very good team and we are hoping to get a positive result.”
Manica Diamonds are on 25 points while Highlanders are five behind them.
Online Reporter