Uproar Over Manica Diamonds Signings

Mutare Correspondent

Manica Diamonds have arguably been the highest enrollers for the 2023 season having roped in a host of experienced players but supporters of the Mutare based giant have lit lamentation over Jairos Tapera abilities to lead the club in their quest for their first ever PSL title.

Having sacked Masvingo based gaffer Johanisi Nhumwa following a strain of dismal performance Manica Diamonds went on to sign the ‘Midlander’ Jairos Tapera.

They say “trust the process” but football fanatics who support the Manicaland based outfit with soul and flesh have heightened cries over new signings.

Manica Diamonds have so far roped in Gerald Bero from Triangle, Trevor Mavunga from Harare giants Dynamos, Bret Abdul Amidu from Chicken Inn, veteran striker Donald Ngoma from Triangle and Godfrey Chitsumba from Triangle.

Players who have been axed include Collins Dhuwa and former Ngezi Platinum linkman Xolisani “Scarra” Moyo who have since joined Chisumbanje based outfit Greenfuel.

Post On Sunday sports desk got in touch with Manica Diamonds fanatic Trevor Denha who resides from Sakubva.

He said, “Yes, we thank the management for roping the new technical head in the name of Jairos Tapera. The problem now is on the signings that he has roped in so far. You see, the likes of Donald Ngoma who is about to celebrate his 34th birthday brings about doubt. Some of the signings are marred by injuries. Football has now changed. New and fresh blood is needed to pave way for PSL championship,” said the supporter.

Another Manica Diamonds firm supporter who commented on grounds of anonymity said new signings are a sign that we are going no where.

She said, “Manica Diamonds holds much of the football fraternity in Manicaland. We have supported the team through leaps and bounds, even the days of Nhumwa we stood firm by its side. When you look at the new signings you wonder if there is future for the club. Being one of the highest paying clubs in PSL you would expect nothing but a squad that competes for PSL Title. You can not expect that with these new signings. We want fresh talent. Boys that are hungry for the title not old horses that have passed their prime season,” said the source.

Manica Diamonds are tasked to clinch the title or at least end in the top three.

The social media scene has been ablaze over these new call-ups .

Participants in a 162 member WhatsApp group called ‘Gem Boys Supporters’ have riled over the signings.
One side of the coin is calling for the rest of the supporters to trust the process.

On the other hand a fair share of supporters have labeled the new signings as ‘recycling’.

Meanwhile new boys Greenfuel who are under the tutelage of Tanganda Fc son Lloyd” Samaita “Mutasa have also been busy on the transfer market. They have so far roped in Honest Moyo and Eric Chipeta both from South Africa, Keith Mavunga and Bukhosi Sibanda from Highlanders,
David Bizabani and MacClive Phiri from Bulawayo Chiefs, Nqobile Ndlovu from Bulawayo City, Pascal Shumbaimwe, Aristotle Manyamba from Tenax, Arnold Munkuli from Kauya Katuruturu ZPC Kariba, Gamu Chikengezha from Mutare City, Nigel Matinha and Ashford Nyamajiwa from Black Mambas.

Gerald Arkson and Issaka Nyemewero who have been plying their trade in Ghana have also bee roped in.