Manica Diamonds add more depth

MANICA Diamonds administrator Owen Sango believes their four new acquisitions will give them the edge and depth they need ahead of the upcoming Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season.

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 Gem Boys are now shifting focus for the title and they believe the 2024 season might be their year of glory.

Manica Diamonds, who are under the close eye of coach Jairosi Tapera, are keen on writing their name to the prestige championship history books of the country. To pave way for their new acquisitions the club have released several old horses in their squad, including 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 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 our only target we failed to secure,” he said.

The club trooped into camp early this week and are currently based in Chiredzi for two weeks as they kick off their preseason.

Sango said the club is targeting the championship at the end of the season.

“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 through well.

“Finishing second last season was a big reflection of the work the club is putting through. Now we say to ourselves, we have to improve this season and achieve better than we did last season and that means that we need to win the championship. So 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.

“The squad is already in camp in Chiredzi for up to two weeks and we are also bracing up for the challenge ahead very optimistic,” he said.