The ManicaPost
Moffat Mungazi
Sports Reporter
JUST as sure as the sun rises in the east, a formidable football force is also emerging in Zimbabwe’s eastern province of Manicaland.
Ambitious Mutare-based Castle Lager Premier Soccer League side, Manica Diamonds are making a strong statement of intent to clinch the coveted championship if the way they have kicked off the current campaign is anything to go by.
Presently perched at the apex of the log, the Gem Boys, as suggested in their name, have their dazzling glitter shining brightly.
Imperious form
Crunching their figures, Manica Diamonds have so far brought their A-game.
In seven starts, they have amassed 16 points after mustering an impressive five wins as well as a single draw and loss.
They have plundered in the most goals so far (17), although their rear-guard has not been as solid after conceding seven.
This leaves them with a healthy goal difference of plus 10.
Their only defeat so far has been a surprise 2-1 loss to Herentals away in Harare, while they also limped to a 1-1 draw at lowly Yadah.
The Gem Boys’ home record has been perfect and remains intact.
Flawless performances at their Sakubva fortress has seen them score victories in all five outings.
Even the domestic game’s traditional giants number among the casualties in their body count as they stepped up to the plate to overpower Highlanders 1-0 before taking fading Cup Kings, CAPS United to the cleaners in a 6-2 demolition recently.
Sunday’s come-from-behind victory saw them claiming the scalp of one-time Chibuku Super Cup champions, Triangle as they overcame a direct rival in the championship race in a top-of-the-table clash.
Dazzling glitter
That coach Johanisi “Dutch Mentor” Nhumwa and his charges are on a roll is beyond any shadow of doubt.
They are enjoying their place in the sun and are cherishing it.
Nhumwa said they are relishing the challenge of a title tilt and are not overwhelmed by being in the spotlight.
He attributed the early signs pointing to success to hard work and unity.
Said Nhumwa, a firm disciple of the Dutch philosophy of “total football” whose tactics evolve around a dynamic, possession-based and sleek-passing game: “These are the results of a hardworking collective unit united by the goal to be a successful football club.
“We believe that we can do this together, with everyone sharing the same vision from the sponsors, executive, technical team, players and the supporters. As everyone plays their part, we can achieve more, both on and off the field. I salute everyone who has been involved in taking the club where it is today.
“Fighting for honours is our objective and we will not be deterred in our pursuit of that target. We are building momentum and if we can maintain that then everything is possible. The boys are geared to deliver.”
It might be still early days yet, yes – with only a quarter of the season covered – but the Manicaland outfit are eyeing a podium finish.
And if the remainder of the marathon could be as good as it has been so far, then its conclusion promises a lot for the Gem Boys.
Putting shine into the diamonds
For a team that is only two seasons old in the Premiership, Manica Diamonds are keen to match their ambition by achieving results.
They are a well-resourced team, thanks to the backing they receive from their principal sponsor –Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company.
Club chairman, Masimba Chihowa is convinced that they are on the right track.
He said they mean serious business and are targeting incremental growth.
“There has been discernible progress from the time the club was formed, to competing in Division One and now in the Premiership. We continue making strides towards establishing Manica Diamonds as a huge brand. We are grateful to our sponsors, Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company for the corporate support as this has made life a lot easier for the club.
“We commend the coaches and the players for thriving to be the best as their efforts have consistently shown over the years. On the administrative side of things, as the executive we are committed to improving the overall well-being of the club. The general welfare of the players is also being prioritised to keep them motivated,” said Chihowa, an ex-FIFA panel referee.
Chihowa added that they are set to launch a new strip and will make available more club regalia and merchandise as per numerous requests by the fans.
It looks like the league’s early pacesetters have a coherent plan in place firmly hinging on proper football structures.
To oil their machinery, the diamond miners have roped in seasoned football administrators to drive their mission whose vision is to be formidable football force, not only in the country, but on the continent and ultimately grow globally.
Besides Chihowa, the club also boasts the experienced hands of Ticha Zikai as team manager and club administrator, Owen Sango.
Also, they have a developmental side in Manica Diamond Juniors which is playing in Division One.
The junior team exists as a feeder club to the senior side and this helps to ensure sustainability of future and long-term plans, said Chihowa.
Already, Moreblessing Marange has been promoted to the senior side from the gold and black-shirted boys’ junior ranks and Nhumwa said more are set to follow a similar path.
Manica Diamond’s growth trajectory has been noticed by some corporate partners, with Sable Class coming on board to provide MatchDay transport and refreshments for the tie against CAPS United recently.
They also did some smart business on the market during the transfer window, bringing in the pair of Brian Chikwenya and Collins Dhuwa to beef up their squad.
Feeling at home
As alluded to in their name, Manica Diamonds are thriving to be a club with a truly Manicaland identity.
The bulk of the team now comprises footballers who trace their roots to the diamond mining province.
Recently, the club conscripted the likes of forwards, Nyasha Chintuli and Farai Mugumwa as well as defender, Liberty Chakoroma and midfielder, Pasca Manhanga.
To that end, only about three players (goalkeeper, Jorum Muchambo and defenders, Themba Ndlovu and Brian Chikwenya) in the starting XI that defeated Triangle on Sunday do not hail from this province, with the rest being local sons.
Said the seasoned gaffer, Nhumwa of this development: “Manicaland has always been a rich source of pure football talent and we are simply tapping into that, while also bringing back home those players that hail from this province so that they contribute to this project.”
This has endeared the club to their local multitude of fans and reinforced the flourishing bond between the team and its following which is steadily growing.
And to the fine form and dazzling run of log leaders, the fans have responded with fraternal fervour.
Manica Diamonds are now attracting sizeable numbers to their home matches atSakubva Stadium.
An enamoured fan, Thomas Gwara of Sakubva, enthused: “I am impressed a lot by Manica Diamonds. They are a very good side capable of doing big things in the league. There has been a marked improvement since I started watching them in the lower division up to now.
“I think the underdog dog tag they are carrying may eventually actually work in their favour as they will not be under pressure but are out to simply enjoy and express themselves.
“For a team participating in only their second campaign in the Premiership I would say they have done really well. They are pulling their weight and are here to stay. It looks like they have what it takes to go all the way and long may their fine form and good run continue.”
The Gems Boys have not looked back since being promoted into the elite league from the ZIFA Eastern Region Division One in 2018.
They also made history while at that– going the entire season unbeaten.
After gaining promotion they defied the odds and finished a respectable fifth position in only their maiden appearance in the top division.
In fact, they had the third best run during the second half of the season; only bettered by eventual champions, FC Platinum and runners-up, Chicken Inn.
Going into their next fixture away to Cranborne Bullets at Baobab Stadium in Mhondoro on Sunday, all eyes will be on the Gem Boys.
Their championship credentials and consistency come under close scrutiny when they host defending champions, FC Platinum at Sakubva Stadium in the next assignment.
