Story by Kenias Chivuzhe
MUTARE-based side Manica Diamonds have acquired five new players as they seek to win their maiden Premier Soccer League title.
The Gem Boys finished second in the Premier Soccer League last season, eight points behind champions Ngezi Platinum after playing the whole season away from home.
Manica Diamonds have signed five players and with the prospect of playing at Sakubva stadium this season, head coach Jairos Tapera believes they can go one better this season.
“We started our new season preparations on the tenth of this month in Chiredzi and we are back in Mutare. We are recording progress. We are aiming to become champions as we finished second last season. We have five new signings including Nigel Mupanduki, Thubelihle Jubani, Liberty Masvaure and Kudzanai Dhemere. The club decided to release players who were in their thirties. The players are Ralph Kawondera, Talent Chamboko, Donald Ngoma and Timire Mamvura among others. We want to match last year’s performance as we signed good replacements with the new signings being less than 25 years old,” said Tapera.
Some of the new players are optimistic about making a huge impact at their new club.
“I have settled well in the club. I want to add value to the team. I want the team to perform better than last year,” said Manica Diamonds attacking midfielder, Kudzanai Dhemere.
Winger Thubelihle Jubani said, “I played well at Sheasham before I made this move. I want to prove myself here once again so that I can be selected in the national team.”
With the Gem Boys having maintained the core of last season’s team and only having a few additions, the Manica Diamonds technical department is hoping to bring the PSL championship to Mutare.
