Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
WHILE one victory cannot erase months of inconsistency, Manica Diamonds’ win against ZPC Kariba last weekend has injected belief into a side that had begun to look resigned to relegation.
The Gem Boys snapped an eight-match winless streak and recorded their first clean sheet in six league outings to hand new coach Herbert “Jompano” Maruwa the kind of start he would have wished for.
“A good start indeed, now what is needed is to keep on working hard though it’s not going to be easy,” he said.
“We are going to make sure the boys believe in themselves.” Manica Diamonds remain second from bottom with 16 points.
If the previous two PSL seasons are anything to go by, survival is likely to require around 38 points, leaving Maruwa’s men needing approximately 22 more points from their remaining 13 fixtures.
That translates to averaging close to 1.7 points per game for the rest of the campaign – a pace comparable to that of teams currently challenging for the top four rather than those battling relegation.
The encouraging fact for Manica Diamonds is that the relegation battle remains congested.
FC Hunters and ZPC Kariba are only three points above the drop zone, while Chicken Inn and Bulawayo Chiefs are not yet comfortably clear.
A sustained run of positive results for Manica Diamonds could quickly change the complexion of the table.
They will play Chicken Inn (away), CAPS United (home) and Herentals (away) in their next three matches.
The danger, however, is that Manica Diamonds have left themselves with virtually no margin for error.
Every dropped point from here on increases the pressure, making consistency far more important than occasional standout performances.
But, in Maruwa, Manica Diamonds believe.
Although he left TelOne earlier this year following a poor run of results, few doubt his ability to stabilise teams.
“It’s more like we need to stabilise the ship first then take it from there,” Maruwa added.
Apart from ending the winless streak, his side kept a clean sheet—something they had failed to achieve in five previous matches.
Relegation battles are often won through defensive organisation before attacking flair, and Maruwa will know that tightening up at the back is the quickest route to accumulating points.
Maruwa has also indicated his intention to strengthen the squad during the transfer window.
Former Simba Bhora and Ngezi Platinum Stars defender, Carlos Mavhurume, is now at Manica Diamonds.
The club also promoted Kupakwashe Chitukutuku from the juniors.
However, the current group is not devoid of capable characters.
Lawrence Masibera, Philip Kaseke and the explosive Charles Teguru have all shown they can influence matches.
If Maruwa can recruit wisely—particularly in defence and attack—the Gem Boys could significantly improve their chances of survival.
Maruwa has appealed for the entire Manicaland community to rally behind the club, reminding supporters that Manica Diamonds are the province’s sole representatives in the Premiership.
“This is not about Herbert Maruwa alone; it’s about the whole Manicaland community.
“Manica Diamonds are the only team from Manicaland in the Premiership and that status has to be preserved,” he said.
Manica Diamonds still remain rank outsiders in the survival race.
