The Sunday Mail
Langton Nyakwenda
THERE is more to the story of Manica Diamonds than their popular striker Fortune Binzi.
The forward still tops the Premiership scoring charts with eight goals, despite missing action lately due to a fractured arm.
He will once again sit out today’s clash between the Gem Boys and unbeaten Highlanders at Barbourfields (BF) Stadium.
But Manica Diamonds believe they can still hold their own in front of an expected bumper crowd.
Manica Diamonds — under the tutelage of coach Jairos Tapera, one of the most experienced gaffers in the top-flight — have silently gone about their business, managing to rise on the log standings.
His CV includes stints at FC Platinum (developmental coach), national Under-20 team, TelOne, Black Leopards in South Africa, Yadah and Triangle.
He has presided over 20 league games since replacing Johanisi Nhumwa in October last year.
In that period, he has registered eight wins, as many draws and four losses, which translates to a 53 percent success rate.
Manica Diamonds have been quietly transformed into a formidable side.
They were third on the log and within five points of Highlanders at the conclusion of Match Day 15.
And the two teams clash this afternoon in the highlight of the Match Day 16 fixtures.
While Bosso enjoy the comfort of using their home, Barbourfields, Manica Diamonds are always on the road.
They clock about 800 kilometres when they are at home, as they use Gibbo in Triangle.
They cover longer distances when they are away.
But Tapera seems to have found a way to overcome the challenge.
“We have done fairly well; we are in the top four and it’s a great feeling for the club, for the team and supporters,” he said.
“We have been in great form in the last four games and we attribute this to hard work, teamwork and togetherness.
“We are a family when we are at work and even outside work. We love the way we are doing things.”
The Manica Diamonds’ ship has also been stabilised by the financial backing from Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company.
This enabled Tapera to recruit eight players.
Brett Amidu, Ralph Kawondera, Trevor Mavhunga, Donald Ngoma, Farai Banda and Panashe Mutasa have since joined the team.
“We recruited these players in accordance with how we wanted the team to play,” Tapera said.
He also has the experienced Liberty Chakoroma and the versatile Talent Chamboko in his side.
There is healthy competition for the number one position between veteran Jorum Muchambo and the upcoming Tedious Baye, who played a crucial role in Green Fuel’s promotion into the PSL.
Yet Manica Diamonds had a rather lacklustre start to the season, posting a single victory in their opening five matches.
That was before they engaged the travelling gear, going on an impressive run that saw them thump ZPC Kariba 3-0 and Black Rhinos 4-0.
They held FC Platinum to a 2-2 draw at Mandava, beat last season’s runners-up Chicken Inn 2-0 and drew 0-0 against Dynamos at the National Sports Stadium.
“We had a false start but we improved with each game.
“And here we are. The team is picking up very important points along the way.
“Everything is okay. We will do everything in our powers and in our knowledge to make sure we improve going forward.”
Tapera downplayed Binzi’s absence for the Bosso game.
He, however, paid tribute to Highlanders coach Brito “for restoring discipline” at the Bulawayo giants.
“We have been doing very well in the last four games without Fortune Binzi.
“But his contribution is being missed by the team; we are missing his scoring ability and we wish he was around because we would be scoring more goals,” he said.
“Binzi is the kind of player any coach would want to have, especially when playing away at BF against a team like Highlanders, who haven’t tasted defeat.
“However, I am very sure those in the squad are ready to carry the baton to glory.
“We respect Highlanders a lot. Coach Brito has brought in a lot of discipline and competition into the team, but we are going there very well aware of what Highlanders can do to us.
“We are going to compete and make sure we get a positive result.”
Tapera also enjoys huge backing from the club’s executive.
Founding secretary of Manica Diamonds Sugar Chagonda saluted Tapera and his technical staff, which includes Tafadzwa Mashiri.
“Basically, we are very happy, both from a sponsor’s side and the executive.
“We are very much happy with the team’s performance. Remember, this is a community project for Manicaland, as we support sport development,” said Chagonda.
Chagonda, a former ZIFA board member, is, however, worried about the team’s inability to use its home ground — Sakubva.
“We have been using Gibbo and this has been very taxing, both from a resource point of view and fatigue for the boys. Despite the fact that we are always on the road, the boys have done so well.”
He hopes the team will maintain consistency and finish “in a respectable position”.