Story by Kenias Chivuzhe
EXCITMENT has reached fever pitch in Mutare with Manica Diamonds fans convinced that this could be their year after the diamond miners notched up their eighth victory on the trot to cement pole position in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.
The Mutare-based side picked up just one point in their first four matches, but they have turned things around after making it eight out of eight at the weekend.
During that period, they have beaten perennial campaigners, Chicken Inn, unpredictable Herentals, new-boys Arenel Movers, former champions FC Platinum, ZPC Kariba and stubborn Bikita Minerals before winning the Manicaland derby against Green Fuel at Sakubva Stadium this Sunday.
The Gem Boys have conceded just once in the eight games as they sit at the summit of the table with 25 points.
Manica Diamonds’ recent form has brought a sense of belief with their fans dreaming big.
“We are so happy and captivated by the performance exhibited by Manica Diamonds, our team. The three dollars we are paying to watch the games is worth it,” said a fan.
Diamond is lifting this cup this season. Number one is ours this season. Ours is a good team and a good team will always win. This is a strong statement of what is to come as our team eyes the trophy,” said another.
Yet another fan said, Most gates of the stadium must be opened to reduce delays in entering the stadium. Some people entered the stadium at half time due to few gates that were opened.”
Manica Diamonds head coach, Jairos Tapera attributed the purple patch to their favourite hunting ground of Sakubva Stadium after playing all their home matches away from home last season.
“The league is like a marathon as we will play 34 games and we have played 12 games meaning we need to sustain the good performance. It is difficult to maintain form, but the harmonious environment in our camp and the support from our executives will ensure positive results. Last year, we would travel up to 800 kilometres every week, but this year we don’t have that pressure. The home advantage increases the number of team supporters and that encourages our players to perform better,” he noted.
Last season Manica Diamonds hosted matches at Gibbo stadium in Chiredzi, more than 300 kms away from their base in Mutare.
Despite that huddle the team finished second behind Ngezi Platinum Stars.
Meanwhile, former Champions FC Platinum have found their rhythm, just a point behind log leaders Manica Diamonds.
Highlanders have fallen to third with 20 points, four points from the top while rejuvenated Chicken Inn complete the top four with 20 points alongside fifth placed Simba Bhora who have an inferior goal difference.
CAPS United are not too far off in 6th position with 17 points after settling for a one-all draw in the Harare derby against city rivals Dynamos.
Hwange on seven points anchor the log table, with Arenel Movers on 10 points just above them, while TelOne and Chegutu Pirates on 11 points conclude the drop zone.
