Online Reporter
Blessing Malinganiza
Zimpapers Sports Hub
MANICA Diamonds have failed to score in 16 of their 26 league matches, a drought coach Herbert Maruwa must end if the Gem Boys are to retain their Premiership status.
The 17th-placed side host Ngezi Platinum Stars at Sakubva tomorrow with 19 points and only eight matches left to rescue their season.
They have managed just 14 goals while conceding 40, winning four matches, drawing seven and losing 15. Manica are eight points behind 14th-placed FC Hunters, who occupy the final position above the relegation zone.
Ngezi arrive fifth with 44 points and remain in contention for a top-four finish. They won their previous league match 1-0 away to Agama before ZPC Kariba knocked them out of the Chibuku Super Cup at Baobab last weekend.
“There is still room for improvement, particularly in the final third,” Maruwa said.
“We need to turn our chances into goals and make sure that our improved performances produce maximum points.”
Maruwa became Manica Diamonds’ fourth coach of the season when he replaced Patrick Mandizha in June.
He inherited a side sitting 17th with 13 points and has since overseen victories over ZPC Kariba and Triangle United.
But defeats to Scottland, Chicken Inn, CAPS United, Herentals and Hardrock have kept the Gem Boys in the same position.
“When you are near the bottom of the table, there will always be concerns about relegation,” Maruwa said.
“The pressure is unavoidable because every dropped point can affect your position. I am pleased with the progress the team has made.
“The team is stabilising. Before the transfer window, we were conceding too many goals and making it difficult for ourselves.”
