The ManicaPost
Fungayi Munyoro Sports Correspondent
VETERAN Mutare football administrator Ticha Zikai has joined Manica Diamonds FC in a technical position of team manager while Sakubva-born Peter Masibera will be the goalkeepers’ coach in a development that is expected to strengthen the bond between the team and the football fan base in Mutare.
Since its recent formation, the Gem Boys, as Manica Diamonds FC are affectionately known, have endeared themselves with fans in Mutare by incorporating players born and bred in Mutare gelling them with those from other regions and to date they have roped in local football personalities into their technical department.
Peter Masibera
Led by shrewd gaffer Luke “Vahombe” Masomere as head coach and fomer Masvingo United coach Johannes “Dutch Mentor” Nhumwa as his assistant, Manica Diamonds will also have former Buffaloes and Eastern Lions administrator Ticha Zikai as their team manager while former Highway FC and Mighty Warriors’ goalkeepers’ gaffer Masibera will also be part of the team’s technical department in the same capacity.
After an overwhelming turnout of more than 230 players during their trials at Sakubva Stadium, Manica Diamond FC last Saturday finally put pen to paper with a total of 19 senior and five junior players.
Several players from different clubs including Premiership turned out to join the Gem Boys ahead of the ZIFA Eastern Region 2018 season.
According to the club chairman Newton Demba they still have to sign six more senior players.
“So far we have successfully managed negotiations with 24 players and all administrative formalities have been done. We have assembled a team that we believe can challenge for honours this season. We are only left with a slot for six senior players.
“We have assembled a technically sound team which we think it will carry the flag high for our sponsors, our province and the nation at large. We are working flat out and leaving no stone unturned such that Manica Diamond FC will be the pride of Manicaland.
“As the formal training progress, the technical team will be assessing all the departments for shortfalls and we will advise of our targets,” he said. Demba also spelt out the vision of the club.
“Our vision is to create employment through sport especially for the Manicaland people and the nation at large. The number of players that were willing to join Manica Diamond FC was overwhelming but we could not take all of them on board.
“We are happy with the pool of players that we got during our trials and we have no doubt that we will build a formidable squad capable of achieving our goals as a team,” said Demba.
Squad
Benjamin Marere, Steven ‘Dealer’ Sibanda, Godfrey Chisango, Hibron Makukutu, Clemence Mukudu, Rodrick Mufudza, Jonathan Zvaita, Moses Gutu, Patrick Dubbs, Tonderai Dunga, Philip Makanje, Louis Matawu, Talkmore Tinarwo, Mlungisi Ndlovu, Malvin Tsuro, Nelson Tachi, Thembani Masuku, Tinashe Kawerere,Matthew Chiyarira, Brian Chirandu, Cryton Tsvarai and William Mapfumo.
