Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
MUTARE top-flight league side, Manica Diamonds, collected their first set of maximum points in a Castle Lager Premiership encounter against basement outfit, Arenel Movers after 10 attempts, which agonisingly ended in losses or stalemates.
Last Sunday’s result against the relegation haunted team must have given Manica Diamonds coach, Jairos Tapera, not only a sigh of relief, but reasonable hope that their march towards the Castle Lager Premiership title could be back on the rails.
Tapera who will face FC Platinum, Hwange, Dynamos, Highlanders, GreenFuel, Bikita, Yadah, ZPC Kariba and Bulawayo Chiefs, in the remaining fixtures of the 2024 season, said: “After posting our first goal, and a win in 10 games, this give us hope going forward.”
Tomorrow (Saturday), the Gem Boys, who have not been so shiny in their recent outings, face a Herculean Task, up against fellow title chasing, FC Platinum away at Mandava Stadium in Zvishavane.
Tapera said: “We are going into this game with a positive mind. We know FC Platinum are at home, and are gunning for the top position, but we are confident enough to upset them in their own backyard.”
Tapera reckons that the remaining league encounters will not be a stroll in the park for his team in their pursuit for the championship.
He said: “We will be having very difficult fixtures starting this weekend, but we have a strong squad. We are not afraid of the challenge ahead.”
Manica Diamonds did themselves a huge favour in this pulsating Castle Lager Premiership title challenge after collecting maximum points, thanks to a slender 2-1 triumph over basement outfit, Arenel Movers at Sakubva Stadium last Sunday.
Tapera’s men secured victory even though they were far from convincing, especially in their conversion rate.
The hosts secured the lead in the 17th minute through a goalmouth melee in which Dynamos reject, Tawanda Macheka tapped home from close range.
The Gem Boys were to shine again in the 33rd minute when exciting midfielder, Anelka Chivandire connected a cross from workaholic, Gift Bero to extend Manica Diamonds’ lead.
Arenel Movers pulled one back in the 50th minute, thanks to ageing, Pasca Manhanga’s lethargic approach that led him to lose possession in the middle of the park, and the visitors went on a counter attack that ended with Tito Banda slotting the ball home.
In a post-match interview, Tapera said he believes this is the start of a positive change of fortunes for his team after a lengthy period of, not only failing to win, but also firing blanks.
“I think we played well and created a number of scoring chances that we could have buried to win the encounter by a wider margin. However, a win is a win. We are happy with the three points we collected. We just look forward to build on that and get more positive results going g into the remaining matches of the season,” Tapera said.
Fixture:
Saturday: FC Platinum v Manica Diamonds (Mandava Stadium); Arenel Movers v GreenFuel FC (Luveve Stadium); CAPS United v Highlanders (Rufaro Stadium); Ngezi Platinum Stars v Dynamos (postponed)
Sunday: Bikita Minerals v ZPC Kariba (Sakubva Stadium); Herentals College v Hwange FC (Rufaro Stadium); Chicken Inn v Yadah FC (Luveve Stadium); Chegutu Pirates v Bulawayo Chiefs (Baobab Stadium); TelOne FC v Simba Bhora (Bata Stadium).
