PREMIERSHIP side Manica Diamonds are leaving no stone unturned with their restructuring process after appointing respected banker and diplomat Mberikwazvo Chitambo as their patron.
The only Manicaland-based Premiership outfit is hosting in-form Dynamos at Sakubva Stadium on Sunday.
Chitambo, who is Sakunda Holdings chief operations officer, is known for his business acumen and for being a mentor par excellence.
The club announced the appointment in a statement yesterday.
“Congratulations to our new patron Mberikwazvo Chitambo,” it said.
“We extend our deepest gratitude for rallying behind Manicaland Diamonds FC.
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“Your support, leadership and belief in our vision inspire us to reach greater heights.”
The club had plunged into turmoil after Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company (ZCDC) abruptly ended its sponsorship of the Premier Soccer League side earlier this season.
This prompted a Zanu PF Manicaland provincial youth member, Evans Kamombo, to purchase the team and since then, the club has shown signs of revival under the new leadership, restoring confidence among supporters and attracting renewed interest from potential sponsors.
The club also appointed Tinashe Chipunza as its new chairman, while also appointing Zanu PF deputy national youth political commissar Taurai Kundishaya as its secretary-general.
However, yesterday Manica Diamonds gaffer Patrick Mandizha said they were expecting a positive result against Dynamos.
A win against Dynamos will likely lift the Gem Boys, as they are affectionately known, from the relegation zone.
“We are playing Dynamos, which is a big team in as far as Zimbabwean football is concerned. We are taking the game seriously,” Mandizha said
“Our preparations have been going on very well and the players are responding to the demands of the technical team.
“Come Sunday, we are looking forward to a positive result.”
He added: “We are calling on our supporters to come in their numbers as this will boost their [players’] confidence.
“Our first 10 games were not good as we posted bad results before we changed course.
“We will continue to improve our performance and move away from the relegation zone gradually.”
Said Kamombo: “We want to thank football lovers in Manicaland and across Zimbabwe for supporting this project and we are happy.
“Against Highlanders at Sakubva Stadium, you came in your numbers and we hope that you are going to come in your numbers on Sunday.”