The ManicaPost
Moffat Mungazi’s FOOTY FOOTNOTES
Moffat Mungazi Sports Correspondent
UNDETERRED by patchy performances in front of goal for the first 10 games of the Castle Lager Premiership 2019 season, Manica Diamonds marksman Steven “Dealer” Sibanda is confident of igniting a hot goal-scoring streak after he scored one goal and set up another to help his side to a commanding 3-0 victory over Yadah Stars in a league match at Gibbo last weekend.
The seasoned forward struck in the second half before providing an assist for Tendai Mukono to propel the Gem Boys to chalking up a crucial victory – their fourth in 10 attempts – which eased them into seventh position and top half of the table. Sibanda had hitherto hit the nets only once – a solitary strike that sank fellow newcomers Mushowani Stars in a battle of the debutants in Match Day Four.
Elated with finding the mark again and his overall contribution in the game, a bubbly Sibanda expressed optimism that this is the beginning of a long goal haul.
“It was only a matter of time before I came right and getting onto the score sheet again. It is all coming together for the good. Now that I have got another goal, this will certainly not be the last from me because a fruitful season only comes with us attaining our goals. At no time did I feel under any pressure to grab a goal because I always played for the team and it is entirely important that we get the desired results and put the club’s interests first ahead of personal glory.
“While I am happy that I have banged in my second goal of the season and getting sharper, I was thrilled by the match result for it helped the team on the day. As long as I am selected, I can play my bit part to good effect. My job is to score goals and win games for the team,” the former Buffaloes and FC Platinum striker told Post Sport. He added that the club will put up a mighty fight during the cutthroat weekly Premiership grind to ensure that they stay up in the elite league.
Asserted the bullish Sibanda: “As the players, we are ready to put the shine into Manica Diamonds by playing good football that can add more numbers to the fan base that we already boast. We are not in the league to make up numbers but to compete and will make it difficult for every side that plays us. Our supporters should look forward to enjoying this journey together with us.” The club’s top scorer last season and the Zifa Eastern Region Division One Golden Boot winner with 24 strikes, the talented gunslinger can be a menace once he puts on and laces up his scoring boots.
And things are beginning to shape up for the Mutare diamond miners following a slow start to the season when they suffered a 2-0 reverse at the hands of CAPS United in the season opener that Sibanda and the Gem Boys are chinning up.
“We are in a good moment right now and are getting into the groove. That we have continued picking up points, including scoring draws from our previous two matches, shows that we are on a good path and taking the right direction. The idea is to get Manica Diamonds to a level where they become a formidable force both at home and away,” said the sharpshooter.
