The ManicaPost
Moffat Mungazi
Sports Reporter
IT may not have been goals galore, but the match was never short of exciting action from start to finish.
There was very little to separate the two teams and at the end of one-and-a-half hours of a bruising battle — only a solitary strike stood between the pair as the Gem Boys emerged 1-0 victors.
While the two teams did not disappoint on the pitch as they slugged it out for the three points at stake and the contest’s bragging rights, the fans also responded to the hype as a good crowd came through to watch a fixture they fervently hope will linger longer on the top-flight menu.
One realised that this was a special fixture when it attracted, not only the die-hard supporters, but also the protagonists’ family members.
Manica Diamonds stars, Pasca Manhanga and Lawrence Masibera’s sisters were in attendance with their families to root for their siblings, while Tenax goalkeeper, Phillip Makumi’s brothers also watched the match.
The Mutare Derby also had the strong gravitational pull to lure followers of the game from across other parts of Manicaland.
Mark Katungireni showed up from Rusape, while Nyakazai Makotore made the trip from Chibuwe in Chipinge.
The supporters, in their sizeable number, added colour to the contest as they cheered on the cross-town rivals.
Sakubva Stadium provided the perfect setting for this unprecedented scene and it was a spectacle to behold.
The Mutare Derby was ignited and many fans who spoke to Post Sport said they can hardly wait for the reverse fixture.
Local staunch Dynamos supporter, Munyaradzi Zinomwe said he opted not to travel to Harare to watch DeMbare in another derby on the same day against city rivals CAPS United and decided to be part of the historic occasion at Sakubva Stadium for Mutare’s similar contest.
“With the two (Harare and Mutare) derbies falling on the same day, I chose not to drive to the capital and stayed put for our own. I do not regret this as I thoroughly enjoyed witnessing the live action at Sakubva, while DeMbare was also winning their own game to make my day.
“This was good advertisement of the province’s game and the return leg is likely to be fireworks-filled. It has been a good take-off for the fixture and we trust that it will shape and develop into one of the country’s biggest games over the coming years. Our prayer is that the two teams stay up in the Premiership and we are hoping that even more teams from Manicaland get promoted,” said Zinomwe.
On the pitch, the two teams turned up in style.
They wasted no time trading raids as each sought that early opener that would stimulate their confidence and enliven the encounter.
It was a competitive game by any standards.
While Tenax’s rearguard has been sloppy and shipping in goals, it rose to the occasion and stood firm at the back to keep their opponents at bay.
While Manica Diamonds’ attack has been firing blanks, they mustered a way of finding the back of the nets.
Such is how the contest was closely fought, in the true spirit of a derby.
Utility player, Liberty Chakoroma and the seasoned pint-sized Manhanga bossed the midfield for the Gem Boys, while the outstanding Joseph Jambo — whose reading of the game was superb throughout the afternoon — marshalled Chauya Chikara’s defence with aplomb.
Jambo said he relished squaring off against familiar faces and hopes the match will continue growing in stature.
“It was a worthy challenge facing some of the players I have played alongside with. The game was quite enjoyable although it was sad that we ended up on the losing end.
“We applaud the fans for turning up in their numbers and rendering their much-needed support to the fixture. As a team, we promise to deliver more in the return leg and make this game a remarkable encounter that defines an era,” said Jambo.
He added that as a son of the eastern border city, he will always deeply cherish his involvement in the fixture.
Typical of derbies, there was a villain and a hero on each side of the spectrum.
The pacey Charles Teguru, a handful to opposing defenders, was the toast of the day as his volley in the 23rd minute settled the contest.
His somersault celebrations also made him the star of the show.
On the other hand, Tanex’s Tafadzwa Zhakata became the fall guy when he received his marching orders.
The defender saw red for a second bookable offence, to leave his side a man short as they chased an equaliser that eventually proved futile.
There were other plenty of sights and sounds to savour from Sakubva, most of which generated some interesting talking points.
The exuberant Manica Diamonds brass band provided the soundtrack to the contest, while the opposite sets of fans roared with ululations and whistles of approval at each exciting move or exquisite piece of skill.
Even vendors had a good day in office and smiled all the way home as business was brisk.
Manica Diamonds coach, Johanisi “Dutch Mentor” Nhumwa turned heads with his former Arsenal coach, Arsene Wenger-esque jacket as he cut a clumsy figure in the oversized coat.
The superstitious among the supporters whispered in hushed tones speculating that the gaffer must have been carrying juju in the jacket as he was reportedly sitting on an ultimatum demanding that he wins the match or face the sack.
Tellingly, he survived to fight another day.
“Nhumwa wakatakura dumwa mujacket iro (Nhumwa is carrying charms in that jacket),” one fan hoarsely shouted from the terraces.
It was a momentous event for Manicaland and football followers in the province enjoyed the treat.
The exciting action created endearing and enduring memories.
As a flagship fixture, this game can raise the province’s game to prominence.
As expected, it was a riveting and absorbing contest, with both teams giving their all.
It lived up to its pre-match billing and fireworks erupted as expected that it will not be far-fetched to suggest that the contest is likely to grow in popularity.
In the end, the city was coloured in the gold and black of Manica Diamonds.
With the domestic top-flight league taking a two-week mid-season break, football fans around the province will have ample time to digest what the historic Mutare Derby served up, while the clubs will also reflect on their participation and performances.
This is the day the football gods made for Manicaland; let the province rejoice in it.
