The ManicaPost
Fungayi Munyoro Sports Correspondent
STRUGGLING Castle Lager Premiership sides Harare City FC and Manica Diamonds FC take their relegation fight to Rufaro Stadium in Harare tomorrow (Saturday) amid hope to ease their woes.
Manica Diamonds, who fired their head coach Luke ‘Vahombe’ Masomere two weeks ago, are currently 13th on the log with a total of 19 points from a possible 54.
They will be hoping for redemption time when the two sides clash. The Gem Boys, as Manica Diamonds are fondly known, last tasted victory back in June when they beat Yadah FC 3-0 at Gibbo Stadium. Since then, Manica Diamonds have gone for eight games without a win.
Both teams are getting into this match with tails between their legs as they both carry defeats. Manica Diamonds were thrashed 1-0 by Caps United last weekend while Harare City suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands the champions FC Platinum on Wednesday, in a midweek fixture. Further losses would derail the Gem Boys’ progress in the league. Caretaker coach Johannes Nhumwa believes the encounter presents his boys with an opportunity to end their poor run.
“We are prepared to play Harare City. It is every coach’s desire to win. Last week we lost to Caps United and it is part of the game, but we are hoping for a positive result tomorrow. We have to soldier on and learn from our mistakes. We hope to come out victorious,” he said.
His opposite number Mark Mathe, whose side are currently 14th on the log, said they would not underrate Manica Diamonds.
“We had a midweek fixture and I rested my boys on Thursday. We will only train today (Friday) for the Manica Diamonds game. I will get a clear picture after today’s training. We are doing all that we can to win this game. We might be playing at home, but we are not guaranteed victory, we have to fight for it. My worry is that we are creating so many chances, but are failing to utilise them. We hope to take all our chances tomorrow,” he said.
Mathe is yet to win match since taking over as head coach following the departure of Mark Harrison.
In the six games he had been in charge, he only managed two draws.
