Jompano hints at staying as Manica Diamonds plan for life in Eastern Region
Relegated Manica Diamonds head coach Herbert ‘Jompano’ Maruwa has hinted he could remain at the helm of the Gem Boys next season in the Pacific Storm Eastern Region Soccer League as the club begins to plan for life outside the top-flight.
Manica Diamonds’ demotion from the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League was confirmed on Sunday after a goalless stalemate against Highlanders at Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo.
The result left the Mutare-based side on 21 points from 31 games, unable to reach safety with only nine points still to play for, making them the first team to be relegated in the 2026 season.
Speaking to Fanzone in a brief interview, Maruwa described the relegation as an unfortunate and sad development but insisted it is part of football.
“It is unfortunate and a very sad development that the team got relegated. It is part of football but we will obviously bounce back stronger,” Maruwa told Fanzone.
That message of bouncing back was also central to his post-match assessment at Barbourfields on Sunday, where he heaped praise on his youthful side for holding Bosso.
Speaking after the 0-0 draw, Maruwa said his youngsters had shown character against one of the country’s biggest clubs.
“We had youngsters, 17-year-old, 16-year-old, 19 and 20 playing against a big team like Highlanders and we managed to get a point. It shows character,” said Maruwa.
The coach identified the youngsters as Darrell Zulu, Tanaka Chikumba, Heart Chikwara and others, a group he believes could form the core of the rebuild next season in the Eastern Region.
Maruwa added that despite the confirmed relegation, his side would not throw in the towel in their remaining fixtures.
“We are relegated, yes, but we want to finish on a high note. We will fight in our last three games and give our fans something to be proud of,” he said.
It is a major shift for the 2024 Chibuku Super Cup semi-finalists who will be resetting in the second tier they left six years ago.
They will feature in the Pacific Storm Eastern Region Soccer League next season, a competition that has grown in stature the past 24 months with sponsorship from Pacific Storm and boasts sides like title-chasing Deportivo La Murambinda, Bikita Minerals, Tenax and Green Fuel.
The Gem Boys still have three top-flight fixtures to fulfil before their drop is formalized.
They host relegation-threatened Bulawayo Chiefs in Matchday 32 at Sakubva Stadium, travel to Rufaro Stadium to face Dynamos on Matchday 33, before wrapping up their disappointing campaign at home against MWOS FC on Matchday 34 at Sakubva.
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