The ManicaPost
Moffat Mungazi Post Correspondent
Manica Diamonds are showing real resilience by continuing to pull their weight and grinding out results under the punishing burden of having played their home games away from their backyard.
Mutare’s Premiership ambassadors were left without an arena of their own following condemnation by some of the game’s authorities of the two football facilities that have customarily been used to host top-flight action – Sakubva in Mutare and Ruspae’s Vengere.
But at long last they now have a home – Vengere Stadium.
Faced with that predicament, the top division’s newboys were forced by circumstances, some beyond their control, to temporarily set up base at Gibbo Stadium in Triangle and have consequently borne the full brunt of the crippling arrangement whose effects are gnawing deep into their pockets.
And even as their 11-step maiden Premiership path has been pothole-riddled with incessant travelling, the Gem Boys have indefatigably refused to have their diamond spirit crushed by coping admirably well to the challenge. They are placed mid-table in seventh spot with 16 points on the 18-team table. While Manica Diamonds are the highest positioned among fellow league novices TelOne and Mushowani Stars, they are also sitting above giants Dynamos and Highlanders.
As such, the squad has earned the kudos of their gaffer Luke “Vahombe” Masomere, who has spoken glowingly about how his players have remained resolute and steadfast.
“We were in a very tight corner as Manica Diamonds and the situation was really bad, yes, but I salute this group for how they have responded to it all. That we were not hosting matches at our own ground left us travelling a lot and it has adversely affected the team’s plans and preparations that other fixtures continue to suffer severe knocks because a huge chunk of our time was being consumed by that stadium-hoping. That left us with very little to no time at all to recover and recharge.
“Despite that deplorable and unsustainable situation, we have managed to stay afloat. My boys deserve special mention for keeping their heads up. I admire their tenacity under the difficult situation. It has not been hard to motivate them, however, because their desire is to do well for the club, the city of Mutare and Manicaland province,” said Masomere.
The veteran tactician said they took it all in their stride. He, however, expressed optimism that relocating to their own home ground would now certainly bring better fortunes.
“As the head coach I am happy with the progress that we have made so far but we could have done even much better under normal circumstances. At times we have grown lethargic but the boys continue to glow. They have shown good character throughout and they can only grow stronger. These players have shown a lot of mental stamina with substance and character and I am pleased with how our season has shaped up so far.
“It appears we are having an inconsistent season, but we can always improve on that and I have faith in all of us here that we can get to another level. Importantly, we are pulling in the same direction together and the attitude has been immensely impressive.
“What is important is to keep the players positive and ensure that they stay focused in order for the momentum to continue going because only that can take us very far in our quest to be a powerhouse in this game,” he said.
Regrouped from a hectic fixture list that has taken them from Kariba to Harare, Manica Diamonds are back home at Vengere Stadium and host last season’s league runners-up Ngezi Platinum Stars this weekend.
In spite of being on the road again on Sunday, the league débutantes restricted former champions Dynamos to a goalless draw.
