Sundaymail Editor
Langton Nyakwenda
Sports Reporter
DESPITE suffering what their coach has termed a “wake-up defeat” against Herentals last weekend, Manicaland’s flagship football outfit, Manica Diamonds, have done really well to earn the Premiership’s “early pacesetters” tag.
Fondly known as the “Gem Boys”, the team have fired early warning shots with three victories in the opening four rounds of the 2021/2022 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League race.
They walloped Whawha 4-0 in their opening fixture, beat Bulawayo City 2-1 in the second round before stunning giants Highlanders 1-0, prior to their 1-2 defeat to Herentals.
Oiled by funds from State-owned Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company (ZCDC), Manica Diamonds are one of the most stable teams in the top-flight.
Now in their second season in the elite league, a lot more is expected from the side, who finished fifth in their debut in 2019.They play their 39th PSL match this afternoon when they host a revived CAPS United at Sakubva Stadium.
With nine points from four matches, they have bettered their start to the 2019 season, in which they accumulated seven points in the same period.
This fine start has boosted morale among coach Johanisi Nhumwa’s troops.
They, however, face a huge test of character against Lloyd Chitembwe’s CAPS United, who, despite failing to win in their opening four matches, are now showing signs of improvement.
“In football, every game is different and there is need for fresh determination. I am happy there has been determination from my boys in our last four games.
“Last weekend’s defeat against Herentals was just a wake-up call,” Nhumwa told The Sunday Mail Sport.
“Our performances have been quite impressive, the level of understanding within the players is amazing.
“You know what? Sometimes football is all about how the players learn from us, their coaches.”
No team from Manicaland has ever won the championship.
However, the now-defunct Tanganda are still remembered for winning the Castle Cup in 1993 after stunning CAPS United.
With fellow Manicaland side Tenax struggling to cope with the heat in the Premiership, fans from the province are banking on Manica Diamonds to salvage something for the region.
After finishing fifth in 2019, Manica Diamonds are now aiming to do better by targeting a top-four finish.
“We need to show some progress, there should be some improvement on what we achieved in 2019,” said Nhumwa.
The underrated coach made some additions during the January window, bringing on board the league’s current top goal-scorer and ex-Ngezi Platinum Stars striker Nyasha Chintuli, who is on four goals.
Forgotten versatile player Liberty Chakoroma has returned to Manicaland from Pretoria Callies.
Collins Dhuwa and Brian Chikwenya joined from Triangle, while underrated forward Farai Mugumwa was lured from Tenax. The quartet is expected to start against CAPS United this afternoon.
“The newboys are picking up and I am sure most of them, except Nyasha Chintuli, will play a part against CAPS United on Sunday.”
Chintuli, who has a back problem, was set to pass a late fitness test yesterday.
Also set to miss today’s clash against CAPS United is Tichaona Mabvura (swollen knee), who has also netted four times.
However, the likes of Lloyd Katongomara, who has three goals to his name, roving left-back Talent Chamboko, veteran linkman Pasca Manhanga, experienced goalkeeper Ashley Reyners and ageless defender Themba Ndlovu are all available for selection.
But Nhumwa is still wary of CAPS United, especially now that some normalcy has returned at the Green Machine.
Last year, Makepekepe were dogged by endless strikes by players but the situation has since turned for the better.
“If football was judged by previous results or previous situations, then this game against CAPS United was going to be one of the easiest.
“But every outing has its own reflections. It’s a fact that CAPS United are a big brand and Manica Diamonds are just coming on board.
“I am expecting a very good game against a well-motivated CAPS United, who have some big names in their squad,” said Nhumwa.
He acknowledges the impact of Manica Diamonds’ performances on the general development of football in Manicaland.
“We come from a very big community that expects us to do well.
“Manica Diamonds and Tenax are the only two teams from Manicaland that are playing top-flight football and a lot of budding footballers in the region look up to these teams.
“Football unites people and I hope Manica Diamonds will unite the people of Manicaland.”
Chitembwe is also an admirer of the way Manica Diamonds have gone about their business but is confident his charges can rise to the occasion.
“Manica Diamonds have done commendably well since the beginning of the season and they are no pushovers.
“They have brought in some new faces and they look like a team that has got that stability, so we are expecting a highly competitive match against them,” said Chitembwe.
Makepekepe are yet to win a match in the 2021/2022 season, but Chitembwe thinks it is just a matter of time before his charges get it right.
“Things are going on smoothly at CAPS United this time around. The environment is quite serene.
“I can confidently say now we have a team that can compete. It’s now down to working on the team but the potential is huge.
“I can reveal that ever since I came back to CAPS United, the co-owners of the club (Farai Jere and Nhamo Tutisani) have done a very good job.
“The two gentlemen are the reason why there is now stability in the camp,” he added.
He has assembled a group of veterans including 2014 Soccer Star of the Year Dennis Dauda, serial championship winner Devon Chafa, the versatile William Manondo and Kenneth Bulaji, who is now playing centre-back.
Two-time Soccer Star of the Year Rodwell Chinyengetere and Tatenda Tavengwa are also now at CAPS United, who managed to retain the key duo of Ronald Chitiyo and Phineas Bamusi.
Online Reporter