Tendai Gukutikwa
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
MUTARE Castle Lager Premiership outfit, Manica Diamonds, might have failed to secure maximum points in their last three matches, but the club’s leadership remains calm and optimistic about their title aspirations this season.
Before yesterday’s clash against log leaders MWOS, the Gem Boys had endured a 270-min-ute winless streak, including a 1-4 defeat to champions Simba Bhora and consecutive stalemates against TelOne FC and Chicken Irun at Sakubva Stadium in Mutare.
The team’s inability to hold onto leads has been a major concern, with the Gem Boys surrendering a 2-0 lead against TelOne rc, and a 1-0 lead against Chicken Inn, two weeks ago Manica Diamonds will now shift their focus to Sunday’s match against unpredictable Kwekwe United at Sakubvu Stadium, another challenging encounter for the Mutare-based team.
As the publication went to bed yesterday (Thursday), Manica Diamonds were set to face high-flying MWOS at Ngoni Stadium in Norton, highlighting the daunting task ahead for coach, Jairos ‘JT’ Tapera and his team.
The Gem Boys’ line-up boasts a few standout performers, including diminutive, yet elusive Charles ‘Teko’ Teguru, who has scored crucial goals this season. Young Ask Rupande and captain, Farai ‘General Banda’ have also consistently justified their inclusion in the team, unlike many of their teammates who have been inconsistent in the 2025 Castle Lager Premiership season, blowing hot and cold where it mattered most.
However, Manica Diamonds secretary general, Sugar Chagonda said the team is not under any kind of pressure at the moment.
The former ZIFA board member admitted that they are worried by the poor streak of results in their last three outings.
“We don’t have pressure, although we are worried, but we are not in panic mode. It is worrisome that we failed to collect maximum points at home. Everyone expects us to collect maximum points at home.
“We believe our coaches and players are still on track. It must have been just a rough patch. In football, the technical department reviews their performance after every match, and as a club, we review all other factors, not just the technical department’s performance.
“We don’t just look at one department. It is, not just the players or the technical department, but we take a wholesome approach to ensure we are well-prepared in all facets,” he said. Chagonda expressed concern about the team’s tendency to surrender leads and settle for draws.
“The other worrisome factor is that we take the lead, then settle for draws, like in our last two matches. I am sure this will be looked into,” said Chagonda
Online Reporter