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Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
ZIFA Eastern Region Division One outfit Manica Diamonds have been promoted to the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.

The side coached by Luke Masomere enjoys a healthy 17-point lead over second-placed Tenax with six games to spare. Manica Diamonds have 66 points, while Tenax sit on 49 points.

While mathematically, Tenax can reach a maximum of 67 points provided they win all their remaining six matches, Manica Diamonds have three free points waiting for them following the folding up of Zero 11.

As a result of the folding up of Zero 11, the Eastern Region leadership agreed to give teams meant to play against it three points and Manica Diamonds are yet to get those points.

The team is yet to taste defeat in 24 matches after registering 21 wins and three draws. On Sunday they take on bottom of the table Melfort at Sakubva High School.

An excited Manica Diamonds chairman, former Caf and Fifa referee Masimba Chihowa, said they had already started preparing for Premiership football.

“It is quite great that we have qualified; we are busy preparing for life in the PSL so as to compete favourably with the rest of the teams there. We have drawn up a budget for the acquisition of players with PSL experience,” said Chihowa.

He, however, did not reveal the amount of money his team has put aside for the acquisition of new players, but indications are that it will be quite a substantial figure.

Coach Masomere said while they will obviously make some additions, it will not be a wholesome exercise.

“It is obvious that we will beef up the squad, but it won’t be a wholesome change. We want a team that will compete with the best in the PSL. We have already identified some of the players we want and need proper planning and to work hard to survive,” said Masomere.

According to Chihowa, they will use Sakubva Stadium, which is presently being renovated to meet the required minimum standards, for their home games.

“We expect to use Sakubva Stadium because the city fathers have been working on the facility and I hope by the time the inspection is done they would have gone through the necessary renovations,” said Chihowa.

Table
P W D L F A GD Pts

Manica Diamonds 24 21 3 0 51 8 43 66

Tenax 24 14 7 3 41 24 17 49

Green Fuel 24 13 8 3 31 18 13 47

Surrey 24 11 7 6 33 22 11 40

Bikita 24 9 10 5 31 24 7 37

Buffaloes 24 11 4 9 27 25 2 37

Masvingo Pirates 24 8 9 7 32 24 8 33

Gaza Gunners 24 8 9 6 21 14 7 33

Renco 24 10 3 11 26 23 3 33

Prime Rangers 24 8 8 8 29 28 1 32

United Lions 24 3 13 8 13 20 -7 22

Mwenezana 24 6 3 15 21 32 -11 21

Zero 11 23 4 7 12 18 44 -26 19

Masvingo United 23 4 6 13 19 35 -16 18

Gutu 24 5 3 16 24 54 -30 18

Melfort 23 3 4 16 16 38 -22 13