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Curtworth Masango

Sports Reporter

Manica Diamonds are aiming to redeem themselves when they host newcomers Chegutu Pirates at Sakubva today when the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League resumes after the International break.

Both Manica and Chegutu have had a slow start this season losing both their opening matches.

The Gem Boys, as Manica Diamonds, are affectionately known, lost to Simba Bhora and TelOne with a 2-3 and 3-1 score line respectively. Chegutu has come short in the hands of ZPC Kariba and FC Platinum with a similar 1-0 scoreline in both matches.

Going into this match, both teams will be looking to collect their first set of points this season.

Manica Diamonds utility player Trevor Mavunga said they are prepared to turn the tables.

In the last campaign, they just managed two points in their first three matches.

“Last season we were in the same situation after starting slow and managed to finish second. We are hoping to pick up and replicate the same form we had last season,” said Mavunga.

“Unfortunately, we started on a difficult phase within the club in terms of results but that is not new to football.

“All teams have a time when they struggle and a time when they pick up.

“I believe our difficult phase is already gone and things have to come together now. All our focus is no longer in the past but in the future. We have to look forward and try to affect the future for our good and not focus on the past,” he said.

He added,

“At times I feel the team relaxed hoping results will just come on a silver platter but the reality is we have to work even more hard than we did before.

“Every result is worked for and we have to unite as a team and fight for one common goal which is to win.”

Mavunga said they are taking every team seriously as all teams in the league can cause an upset.

“Facing Chegutu is a game we are taking seriously.

“They might have lost all their previous matches and are regarded as newcomers but we have already lost to TelOne who were again promoted.

“So we are not going to look into the name of the opponent. All we need is to dedicate ourselves fully to the entire match and hope for a positive result.

Mavunga, who made his name playing as a defensive midfielder with Triangle and Dynamos before he switched to Manica where coach Jairos Tapera is now employing him as a centre-back, said he is now getting comfortable playing in defence.

“I had never played as a centre-back before but I have already played there for a whole season and I am now comfortable.”

“Helping the team with scoring is always a good feeling and I’m looking forward to adding more goals to my name,” he said.