The ManicaPost
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
CASTLE Lager Premiership log leaders, Manica Diamonds, have secured the services of key Ngezi Platinum and Triangle players as the Gem Boys move to fortify their lead in the league.
Free scoring former Ngezi Platinum striker, Tito Chintuli, the Triangle duo of left-back, Brian Chikwinya and Collin Duwa, together with Tenax FC gunslinger, Farai Mugumwa and Liberty Chakoroma, are all now in Manica Diamonds books.
The acquisition of Chintuli, Chakoroma and Mugumwa further cements Manica Diamonds’ stance of luring Mutare-born players to endear the club with local fans.
Chintuli, who is on loan from Tenax FC after a stint at Ngezi Platinum, grew up in the Muchena section of Sakubva together with Chakoroma, who once turned out for Buffaloes, Ngezi Platinum and Chicken Inn among other local clubs.
Chakoroma is marking a return to domestic top-flight league football after trying his luck in South African second tier league where he had joined Pretoria Callies.
Mugumwa is a product of Chisamba section of Sakubva.
The Mutare side has always had problems with the left back position where they usually deployed a natural midfielder, Talent Chamboko, but the arrival of Kwekwe-born and former Yadah Stars left back, Chikwinya from Triangle is likely to lessen the burden for coach, Johanisi Nhumwa.
Manica Diamonds chairman, Masimba Chihowa confirmed the new acquisitions, saying they are serious about their intentions of ending the season in a better position than they ended in the debut Premiership season.
Farai Mugumwa
The Gem Boys ended on an impressive fifth position on the table in their debut season in 2019.
“We are indeed serious about our intentions of ending the season in a position better than we ended in our debut Premiership season. This will not come on a silver platter. We just have to work extra hard for that.
“It is with that in mind that we have signed Tito Chintuli, Liberty Chakoroma, Brian Chikwinya, Farai Mugumwa and Collin Duwa. We are confident that these new signings will add value to the team and make us achieve the goals we have set for ourselves,” he said.
Manica Diamonds are currently the Castle Lager Premiership log leaders after dismissing Highlanders by a solitary goal at Sakubva Stadium on MatchDay 3 before the league took a break.
A test of fortitude and resilience now awaits the Gem Boys when the league finally resumes next month.
