The ManicaPost
Fungayi Munyoro Sports Correspondent
MANICA Diamonds FC coach Luke “Vahombe” Masomere says he is now certain about Premiership promotion.
Manica Diamonds took control of ZIFA Eastern Region Division One League marathon and now have their fate firmly in their hands.
The Gem Boys as Manica Diamonds is affectionately known are 13 points clear at the top with 12 more games to go.
Manica Diamonds will travel to Marondera for a date with tricky Surrey FC on Sunday.
The match will kick off at 3pm at Surrey Stadium.
Masomere believes his squad is good enough to win promotion.
“In as far as I am concerned, I am sure I have what it takes to win promotion. We are very competitive we have the skill and technique.
“We are prepared for Surrey FC. They are a good side and we are not undermining them. We have done well whether we are playing at home or away from home. We are now certain about promotion. We are going towards it though it is still game on.
“There is no way that we are going to lose five games now to pave way for other teams that are behind us. It is very impossible. We had planned from the beginning and we are now working harder than before,” he said.
The reverse fixture between the two sides in Mutare ended 2-1 in favour of Manica Diamonds but Surrey FC youthful gaffer Charles Mutero is not reading much into their previous meeting.
Surrey has never been an easy opponent for most top teams in the region. Masomere and his boys must expect a tough encounter in Marondera.
“Our aim is to gain promotion though the chances are slimmer now. We are still pushing till the last game of the season. The game against Manica Diamonds will really motivate my players. The boys are prepared for the game and we are very confident playing at home,” he said.
Second placed Tenax FC who piled more misery on under pressure Buffaloes coach Shaddy Mugurasave will be away to Masvingo Pirates.
Tenax handed Buffaloes their seventh defeat after a 1-0 win last weekend.
The defeat comes hard on the heels of a 1-0 loss to log leaders Manica Diamonds a fortnight ago.
The defeat left the former premiership side with the prospect of finishing the season empty handed as they are a massive 19 points behind log leaders Manica Diamonds.
Buffaloes started the season on a high note but lost steam towards halfway stage of the season. Their rough patch allowed Surrey and Green Fuels to overtake them. They have been dislodged to fifth position.
Things are not well at Buffaloes. The chances of bouncing back into the elite league are slowly becoming a nightmare.
This weekend they will face Gaza Gunners away in Chipinge.
Weekend Fixture
Renco Mine FC vs Bikita FC
Gutu FC Vs Melfort FC
United Lions FC vs Masvingo United
Mwenezana FC vs Green Fuels
Prime Rangers vs Zero One One FC
