Online Reporter
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
EASTERN Region teams – Manica Diamonds and GreenFuel – this weekend host Herentals and Bikita Minerals, respectively, with the looming threat of relegation hanging over them.
Manica Diamonds, currently struggling in the Premier Soccer League, will face stubborn Herentals at Sakubva Stadium in Mutare tomorrow (Saturday), while GreenFuel will welcome fellow Eastern Region outfit, Bikita Minerals FC to their GreenFuel Arena in Chisumbanje, Chipinge on Sunday.
Both teams have made significant changes to bolster their squads ahead of the second half of the 2025 Castle Lager Premiership season.
The moves come after a disappointing first half, which prompted changes to their respective technical departments.
GreenFuel, bankrolled by ethanol mogul, Billy Rautenbach, have acquired the services of highly-rated forward, Rodwell Chinyengetere, Blessings Kagudu, and young goalkeeper, Tatenda Chikowero.
Manica Diamonds have roped in Thsipamba Babade from Eastern Region Division One side, Tongogara FC and Sibusiso Ndlovu from Willard Katsande’s Kitoko football project.
Manica Diamonds coach, Tafadzwa Mashiri, is racing against time to secure one more central defender, a move likely inspired by the team’s struggles to hold onto leads in the first half of the season.
Mashiri highlighted the improved fighting spirit and commitment shown by his players.
On the transfer front, Mashiri confirmed the signing of Tshipamba Babade, a forward from Tongogara FC, and is targeting a central defender and another forward to bolster the squad.
“We have secured Tshipamba Babade, a forward from Tongogara FC, Eastern Region Division One side. We are targeting one central defender and a forward to bolster the team,” said Mashiri.
Mashiri, is optimistic about his team’s prospects after drawing positives from his first two matches in charge of the club since the departure of Jairos Tapera.
“There are some positives, signs of progress are evident. Yes, we are not where we want to be, but the performance by the team is very much encouraging. We really need to build on that performance, and the point gained against ZPC Kariba should spur us to fight for maximum points in the upcoming match against Herentals. The most notable improvement is the fighting spirit and undoubted commitment exhibited by the lads. We just need to focus and concentrate on implementing our game strategy with a lot of tactical discipline. The emphasis is on minimising mistakes and, at the same time, consolidating our strengths,” he said.
Manica Diamonds missed the services of Lawrence Masibhera, who was suspended in the match against ZPC Kariba and Anelka Chivandire, who is injured.
Dreadlocked Masibera will be back in action tomorrow, while Chivandire will have to pass a late fitness test, having resumed light training this week.
GreenFuel coach, Rodwell Dhlakama, said: “The new acquisitions were meant to strengthen the areas that we felt were lacking all along. I have no doubt that they will add value to the team. We are confident of getting the results that we want as the second half of the season unfolds. We are playing good football, and I am looking forward to collecting maximum points in the forthcoming matches so that we attain what we have set for ourselves as a club.”
