Manica jamming from the Eastern Highlands

DESPITE suffering what their coach has termed a “wake-up defeat” against Herentals last weekend, Manicaland’s flagship football outfit, Manica Diamonds, have done really well to earn the Premiership’s “early pacesetters” tag.

Fondly known as the “Gem Boys”, the team have fired early warning shots with three victories in the opening four rounds of the 2021/2022 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League race.

They walloped Whawha 4-0 in their opening fixture, beat Bulawayo City 2-1 in the second round before stunning giants Highlanders 1-0, prior to their 1-2 defeat to Herentals.

Oiled by funds from State-owned Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company

(ZCDC), Manica Diamonds are one of the most stable teams in the top-flight.

Now in their second season in the elite league, a lot more is expected from the side, who finished fifth in their debut in 2019.They play their 39th PSL match this afternoon when they host a revived CAPS United at Sakubva Stadium.

With nine points from four matches, they have bettered their start to the 2019 season, in which they accumulated seven points in the same period.

This fine start has boosted morale among coach Johanisi Nhumwa’s troops.

They, however, face a huge test of character against Lloyd Chitembwe’s CAPS United, who, despite failing to win in their opening four matches, are now showing signs of improvement.

“In football, every game is different and there is need for fresh determination. I am happy there has been determination from my boys in our last four games.

“Last weekend’s defeat against Herentals was just a wake-up call,”Nhumwa told The Sunday Mail Sport.

“Our performances have been quite impressive, the level of understanding within the players is amazing.

“You know what? Sometimes football is all about how the players learn from us, their coaches.”

No team from Manicaland has ever won the championship.

However, the now-defunct Tanganda are still remembered for winning the Castle Cup in 1993 after stunning CAPS United.

With fellow Manicaland side Tenax struggling to cope with the heat in the Premiership, fans from the province are banking on Manica Diamonds to salvage something for the region.

After finishing fifth in 2019, Manica Diamonds are now aiming to do better by targeting a top-four finish.

“We need to show some progress, there should be some improvement on what we achieved in 2019,” said Nhumwa.

The underrated coach made some additions during the January window, bringing on board the league’s current top goalscorer and ex-Ngezi Platinum Stars striker Nyasha Chintuli, who is on four goals.

Forgotten versatile player Liberty Chakoroma has returned to Manicaland from Pretoria Callies.

Collins Dhuwa and Brian Chikwenya joined from Triangle, while underrated forward Farai Mugumwa was lured from Tenax. The quartet is expected to start against CAPS United this afternoon.

“The newboys are picking up and I am sure most of them, except Nyasha Chintuli, will play a part against CAPS United on Sunday.”

Chintuli, who has a back problem, was set to pass a late fitness test yesterday.

Also set to miss today’s clash against CAPS United is Tichaona Mabvura (swollen knee), who has also netted four times.

However, the likes of Lloyd Katongomara, who has three goals to his name, roving left-back Talent Chamboko, veteran linkman Pasca Manhanga, experienced goalkeeper Ashley Reyners and ageless defender Themba Ndlovu are all available for selection.

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