GEM BOYS ASSEMBLE MACHINE, TARGET LEAGUE TITLE
MANICA Diamonds believe their four new acquisitions will give them the edge and depth they need to try and win the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title.
The Gem Boys, who finished second last season after playing all 34 matches away from Sakubva, signed Nigel Mpundiki, Kudzayi Dhemere, Enoch Karembo and Joseph Kaunda.
The club have released Donald Ngoma, Ralph Kawondera, Timire Mamvura, Jorum Muchambo and Talent Chamboko.
Manica Diamonds however, missed out on winger Issa Sadiki after failing to reach an agreement with his parent club, Yadah, who opted to loan him back to Dynamos.
“We have made four good additions to the squad that will improve the quality and depth of the team,” said club administrator Owen Sango.
“For us, it’s just replacing those who left with quality and to maintain the status of the club as one of the top competitive squads in the league.
“So, the new players are like oil in an assembled machine for it to run smoothly.
“Of course, Issa Sadiki was on our wish list, he is a player whom we felt could have added value to the club but he had one year left on his contract with Yadah and they decided that he stays at Dynamos.
“He is the only target we failed to secure.” The club trooped into camp early this week and will be based in Chiredzi for two weeks. “We have been learning through the years. “There are a lot of blind curves that came in the way since we gained promotion but we have to say that we think we have carried ourselves very well.
“Finishing second last season was a big reflection of the work the club is putting through.
“Now, we have to improve this season and do better than we did last season and that means we need to win the championship.
“We are targeting the title.
“We are expecting everyone within the club to come up and be on top of their game for us to achieve this.”