Manica Diamonds’ new coach, Jairos Tapera, says he wants to reduce the average age of the team from 33 to 25 years during the off-season.
The former national Under-20 coach joined Manica Diamonds from Triangle with five rounds of the 2022 Castle Lager Premiership League season remaining after the sacking of Johanisi Nhumwa. Said Tapera:
The previous team had an average age of 33 years and we want to reduce that to 25 years. It is a noble and good thing for the older players to bring experience to the team, but you also need the intensity and energy you get from younger players. One needs to fuse both to get the best product.
The club is reported to be in the process of finalising the list of players who will be transfer listed or offloaded and that of players remaining at the club.
Tapear, however, refused to reveal the identity of the players set to leave the club. He said:
Assessment of the team during the last five matches went on well. I saw very good, competitive and committed players.
As I said, we are still in the process of finalising the list of players we want to work with next season.
Reasons for those leaving us vary. Some players’ contracts have expired and they want new challenges. We will let them go.
We feel we should add to refresh the play of the team. When done with the lists, you will be the first to know.
Some of the players above the age of 30 are Ticha Mabvura, Themba Ndlovu, Jorum Muchambo, Pasca Manhanga and Timire Mamvura. The Manica Post