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MANICA DIAMONDS say they will target to win the domestic Premiership title next season.

The Gem Boys finished runners-up this season despite playing all their matches away from home.

They believe Sakubva will be ready next season for them to play their home matches in their backyard.

The Gem Boys are expected to officially unveil Issa Sadiki from Dynamos, Nigel Mpunduki from Sheasham, Kudzai Dhemere from ZPC Kariba and Enoch Karembo from Triangle in the coming few weeks.

The club have also kept the bulk of their players and they are looking at forward to releasing a number of the old horses from their squad.

Club Administrator, Owen Sango, revealed they wanted to challenge for the championship next season.

“As a club, we are going for nothing short of the championship next season. We are keeping the bulk of our squad and making a few additions to the team.

“We understand that about four additions should be made to the club. “As to accommodate the new players, the club are set to release those in the twilight of their careers in terms of age.

“This season we finished second and it means finishing on top is the new target and that’s now our biggest aim.”

He added:

“After testing the second place, we can’t expect less so we have to work hard to surpass where we reached this season.

“As for Sakubva, we understand the City Council is working on it.

“They are working hard to have it ready before the start of the 2024 season and that’s all we can hope for.

“Using Sakubva will be a big boost for us and the fans won’t have to travel far to see us playing.

“We are excited about the new season ahead.”

The Gem Boys impressed many neutrals with their solid campaign and they would have been champions, if they had a home, and if leading scorer Fortune Binzi had not spent a lengthy period on the sidelines battling injury.