Maruwa demands goals as Manica Diamonds fight in Premiership

Manica Diamonds have scored only 14 goals in 26 Zimbabwe Premiership matches, failing to find the net in 16 of those games. Coach Herbert Maruwa says the relegation-threatened side must become more effective in front of goal to improve its chances of survival.

The Gem Boys are 17th with 19 points and have eight fixtures remaining. They are eight points behind FC Hunters, who occupy 14th place and the last position above the relegation zone, leaving Manica with little room for further dropped points.

Manica’s record stands at four victories, seven draws and 15 defeats, while they have conceded 40 times. Maruwa has identified the final third as the main area requiring improvement, with the team needing to convert more of its opportunities into points.

The next test comes at Sakubva against Ngezi Platinum Stars. Ngezi sit fifth on 44 points and are still pursuing a place in the top four. They won their previous league match 1-0 away to Agama before suffering elimination from the Chibuku Super Cup against ZPC Kariba at Baobab last weekend.

Maruwa took charge in June, becoming Manica’s fourth coach of the season after replacing Patrick Mandizha. He inherited the team in 17th place with 13 points and has since guided it to wins over ZPC Kariba and Triangle United.

Those victories have not lifted Manica from the relegation places. Losses against Scottland, Chicken Inn, CAPS United, Herentals and Hardrock have kept the club in the same position, while Maruwa says the team has made progress and is becoming more stable.

The coach also believes defensive improvements have helped that process. Before the transfer window, Manica were conceding too regularly, but the immediate priority is now to ensure better performances produce goals and maximum points in the remaining matches.