Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Sports Reporter
MANICA Diamonds are set to relocate to GreenFuel Arena, pending approval, after Sakubva Stadium was deemed unfit for this season’s Premier Soccer League matches due to major renovations.
The Mutare City Council’s decision to upgrade Sakubva’s facilities to international standards has left the club scrambling for alternatives, making the GreenFuel Arena the only viable option in Manicaland for the club, as Vengere Stadium, which is barely 90 kilometres away in Rusape, requires a complete overhaul to meet minimum standards.
Vengere Stadium is in dire need of a complete overhaul to meet Premier Soccer League standards.
A recent inspection of the stadium by Manica Diamonds officials revealed a litany of shortcomings, including a rugged pitch prone to waterlogging, dilapidated perimeter fence, inadequate lighting, and crumbling terraces.
The stadium’s unusual parallelogram shape also poses significant renovation challenges.
The neglect of Vengere Stadium is glaring, particularly as neighbouring local authorities prioritise sports infrastructure development. Rusape Town Council’s inaction has drawn criticism, with two clubs – Division One side, Africa Mineral Ventures and Rusape City, left to rely on the substandard facility.
While AMV has pledged to undertake minimal maintenance, the stadium’s condition remains a concern.
With PSL and Division One standards looming, the onus is on Rusape Town Council to urgently address the stadium’s woeful state.
Few seasons ago, Manica Diamonds used Vengere as their home ground and managed to pull decent crowds to cheer them – however – visiting teams bitterly complained about the state of the pitch, which they said was not suitable for top-flight league.
Manica Diamonds’ reluctance to contribute to Vengere Stadium’s maintenance has exacerbated its decline, with the club often adopting a “use and leave” approach, neglecting its responsibility to support the facility’s upkeep.
This stance has drawn criticism, as the stadium’s deterioration affects, not only the club, but also the local community and other users.
In an interview this week, Manica Diamonds chairman, Masimba Chihowa revealed that Gibbo Stadium was assessed and they are waiting for the inspection of GreenFuel Arena, which is the most ideal venue for them despite challenges of accommodation.
“Our options remain GreenFuel Arena in Chisumbanje and Gibbo Stadium in Triangle. As of now, the grounds committee has made an assessment of Gibbo Stadium when they were assessing for Triangle United, and they are still to make an assessment of GreenFuel Arena. They said they also want to make an assessment of GreenFuel Arena because the team that was using it last season in the Castle Premier Soccer League will be playing in Division One. They want to find out if the ground is still fit.
“We visited Vengere Stadium in Rusape and we have since made our own assessment that it will not be able to host Premier Soccer League games this season. We have prepared for the 2026 season, and we are ready for the action to start,” said Chihowa.
Playing away from home could work against the Gem Boys, who are eager to improve from their last season’s performance, where they spent the better part of the season fighting relegation and finished just four points above the drop zone.
Playing away from home in Mutare could be detrimental to Manica Diamonds, resulting in reduced gate receipts, increased travel fatigue, and diminished home advantage – which could negatively impact their performance, morale, and fan engagement, ultimately affecting their chances of achieving a respectable league position and undermining their ambitions.
Playing at home offers significant advantages, including familiarity with the pitch and surroundings, crowd support, and reduced travel fatigue.
Home teams often experience a boost in morale and motivation, which can intimidate opponents.
Additionally, they have control over pitch preparation and can tailor their strategy to suit the conditions, potentially unsettling visiting teams and gaining a competitive edge.
Manica Diamonds has so far signed former Bikita Minerals trio of Biggie Temera, left-back Pascal Shumbaimwe, and Fitzgerald Sibanda. Other new signings include Arthur Ndlovu, Polyester Shoko, Tanaka Chikumba, Kelvin Bingala, Marlon Maziriri, and Darryl Zulu.
Manica Diamonds are looking to turn last season’s fortunes around, aiming for a more respectable league position after narrowly avoiding relegation. The team, fresh from signing aforementioned players, is determined to make a statement and establish itself as a competitive force in the Premier Soccer League, exceeding last season’s anxious relegation escape.
