The ManicaPost
Moffat Mungazi
Sports Reporter
ACTION in the ZIFA Eastern Region Division One League marathon has reached the halfway stage, with the title race heating up and taking shape.
As such, pushing and shoving for places at both ends of the table is rife as those at the top eye Premiership promotion, while others at the bottom battle to avoid demotion.
In one of this weekend’s fixtures depicting this scenario, tail enders, Manica Diamonds Juniors square off against log leaders, GreenFuel.
The subplot to this intriguing tie is that it is a tale of a master facing his student, as Lloyd “Samaita” Mutasa pits his tactical wits against Hibron“Adhala Chommiey” Makukutu.
The former was the coach and the latter the captain when the now defunct Highway were promoted into the Premiership in 2009.
Now the pair is crossing swords on equal footing as gaffers in charge of GreenFuel and Manica Diamonds Juniors respectively.
That familiar feeling will, however, be put aside as the duo seeks to outshine each other.
Mutasa said he is looking forward to an exciting contest.
“All the games in this league are tough. Given our current position, we are taking every game as a final and this one is no exception. For the obvious reasons, other teams always up their game when playing against us. Manica Diamonds Juniors’ form has improved and we are expecting good competition from them in the game. We, therefore, need to be at our best so that we maintain our pole position,” said the former Dynamos talisman and coach.
Manica Diamonds Juniors coach Hibron Makukutu
He said he was delighted to see Makukutu continuing to make strides in his football career.
Said Mutasa: “It is always nice to see former players we once coached graduating and becoming gaffers. We were together at Highway; he was my captain when I was coaching the team. I look forward to enjoying the game.”
A buoyant Makukutu expressed confidence that his charges’ resurgence will spur them to another positive result as they seek to upstage the log leaders.
Manica Diamonds Juniors are unbeaten in their last four games after picking up three draws and a win.
“We are presently enjoying our game and want to continue improving after an upturn in our form. I am happy with the progress we are making.
“It is a process and the boys are now getting used to our style of play which has seen us score positive results in the recent past games. We are in a good moment and are building momentum now. Our quest is to remain consistent,” said the pint-sized tactician.
He said he cherishes coming up against his former trainer.
“Facing my former coach, Samaita, gives me a pleasant feeling. However, we are not going to make it easy for them and they can only underrate us at their own peril. We are geared for battle, not only for this encounter, but the remainder of the campaign,” said Makukutu.
He added that the underdog tag suits them well and they will be out to spring a surprise.
GreenFuel get into the tie as favourites.
As the pacesetters after 15 games, they lead the log standings with 32 points, two ahead of second-placed Mutare City Rovers.
Manica Diamonds Juniors, on the other hand, are on 13 position with nine points.
They were overpowered 3-1 in the reverse fixture away in Chisumbanje.
