By Jeremiah Gora
It was a baptism of fire for newly appointed Manica Diamonds coach Herbert “Jompano” Marowa as his side suffered a humiliating 5-0 defeat to log leaders Scottland FC in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match played at Rufaro today.
Marowa, who recently took over the struggling Mutare side, watched helplessly as the league leaders ran riot, exposing the deep-rooted problems at Manica Diamonds, whose season continues to unravel despite repeated changes in the technical department.
The heavy defeat is likely to intensify scrutiny over the club’s approach of hiring and firing coaches, a strategy that has so far failed to halt the team’s alarming decline.
Scottland wasted no time asserting their dominance, with Mthokozisi Msebe opening the scoring in the 12th minute with a well-taken strike before Eswatini international Kwakhe Thwala doubled the advantage two minutes later with a thunderous effort.
Khama Billiat made it 3-0 in the 40th minute after being picked out by Knowledge Musona, taking his season tally to nine goals.
The second half offered no respite for the visitors as Namibian forward Moses Shidolo added the fourth goal in the 49th minute before Musona completed the rout in the 58th minute with his eighth goal of the campaign.
The emphatic victory further cemented Scottland’s position at the top of the table, while Manica Diamonds’ crisis deepened as questions continue to be asked about the club’s direction.
Elsewhere in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League, the remaining Round fixtures continue on Saturday with Simba Bhora hosting TelOne, Chicken Inn entertaining Hardrock, ZPC Kariba facing Ngezi Platinum, FC Platinum taking on FC Hunters, MWOS welcoming Highlanders, and CAPS United playing Triangle.
On Sunday, Dynamos host Bulawayo Chiefs at Rufaro Stadium, while Agama face Herentals at Wadzanayi Stadium.
