Manica Diamonds coach Jairosi Tapera believes the team’s struggles on the road may have become psychological, following a 4-1 thrashing by Simba Bhora at Wadzanayi Stadium on Saturday.
The Gem Boys are yet to secure an away win this season, having failed to do so in three attempts.
In addition to last weekend’s heavy defeat in Shamva, they lost 1-0 to FC Platinum and were held to a 1-1 draw by Herentals in Harare.
However, at their home ground, Sakubva Stadium, Manica Diamonds have maintained a perfect record, registering wins against Yadah, ZPC Kariba, and Dynamos.
When asked whether the team’s poor away form might be turning into a psychological barrier, Tapera responded:
<blockquote>
Maybe, especially after what happened today (against Simba Bhora). In the first 20 minutes we were so much organised, we played excellently well.
But when we started the second half, we just collapsed. They scored two identical goals, from crosses on the right. Those are mistakes that we can take home and sit down and say, what should we do?
We have not lost as Manica Diamonds by more than two goals ever since we joined the club. This is our first heavy loss and it’s hard to take. We take it as a lesson as we go forward, we will sit down and reorganise ourselves.
We play better at home, maybe that’s because of the confidence that the players have. But like I said, the first 20 minutes, if we had carried that right through the match, we could probably have beaten Simba Bhora.
</blockquote>
Manica Diamonds’ next two matches are at home, against TelOne on Sunday and Chicken Inn on matchday eight.
They will then travel to face MWOS before hosting Kwekwe United—fixtures that, on paper, appear winnable.
The title-chasing Mutare-based side currently sits in sixth place with 10 points, four behind log leaders MWOS after six rounds of matches.

Pindula News

Manica Diamonds' coach thinks their bad away games might be because of their minds. They lost 4-1 last weekend. They haven't won away this season but are good at their home ground. Coach Tapera says the team played well at the start but fell apart later. They have two home games next and then two winnable matches on the road. The team is in sixth place in the league. They need to work on their mental game for future matches.

Manica Diamonds’ Away Form Now A Mental Hurdle, Says Tapera

Manica Diamonds coach Jairos Tapera has refuted the rumours that he had a fallout with his player, Kuda Mahachi.
Contrary to the allegations, Tapera denied any clash with Mahachi that would have led him to push the club’s executive to terminate the former Warriors player’s contract.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/all-is-well-in-manica-diamonds-camp-coach-tapera-rubbishes-rumour-over-bad-blood-with-kuda-mahachi/">NewZimbabwe.com</a> to address the allegations, Tapera clarified that Mahachi remains a Manica Diamonds player and that they never exchanged any hostile words. He said:
<blockquote>
It’s very unfortunate that there is this information circulating around social media that coach Jairos Tapera and Kuda Mahachi had a confrontation, it’s unheard of because nothing like that happened.
There are so many things happening in Mutare, I didn’t know that instead of us celebrating the team’s performance people are trying to destabilise the camp.
It is unfortunate we have people lying that I had a confrontation with Kuda Mahachi, you know how I brought Kuda Mahachi here, he is like a son to me.
There is really nothing which has happened like that.
</blockquote>
Mahachi joined Manica Diamonds in February 2024 after leaving his previous club, Ghanaian side FC Medeama.
Mahachi’s contract with FC Medeama was reportedly terminated due to poor performance.
Since joining Manica Diamonds, Mahachi has struggled to secure a regular spot in the club’s starting lineup.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Manica Diamonds coach, Jairos Tapera, said he did not fight with player Kuda Mahachi. Tapera denies rumors that he tried to end Mahachi's contract. He said they did not argue and Mahachi is still on the team. Mahachi recently joined the team in February after leaving a club in Ghana. Some say his old club let him go because he didn't play well. Even though Mahachi is not playing a lot right now, Tapera says they are all okay.

Manica Diamonds Coach Jairos Tapera Denies Fallout With Kuda Mahachi

Warriors interim coach Jairos Tapera expressed pride in his squad despite their elimination from the ongoing Hollywoodbets COSAFA Cup 2024 in South Africa.
Although the Warriors secured victories against Comoros and Zambia with scores of 1-0 and 2-0 respectively, their hopes of advancing to the semifinals were dashed after a 2-0 defeat to Kenya in the final Group B match on Tuesday.
Despite their strong start, which saw them leading the group with six points, Zimbabwe could not maintain their momentum and exited the tournament.
Interestingly, Zimbabwe secured a 1-0 victory against Comoros, Comoros triumphed over Kenya with a 2-0 score, and Kenya emerged victorious against Zimbabwe with a 2-0 result.
Reflecting on the team’s performance after Tuesday’s match, Tapera said that he was proud of the players’ efforts. He said:
<blockquote>
I can’t say I am proud of the six points that we got because there was a chance for us to move forward.
But I am proud of the performance of the boys. Most of these guys, it was their first time to play in an international competition and they showed a lot of skill and organisation, which I feel if given an opportunity, they can graduate to the next level.
Apart from the result, I’m proud of the boys. They showed a lot of courage and going forward I am sure we will have a stable national team.
</blockquote>
Reflecting on the loss to the Harambee Stars, Tapera lamented the Warriors’ missed opportunities and their inability to maintain possession of the ball. He said:
<blockquote>
It was a tale of two halves. We were not bad in the first half; we were so much organised and we were moving around the ball.
We got some chances in the first half which I thought we should have scored. If we had scored those chances, Kenya were going to be desperate and become vulnerable, but they scored first and we became desperate in a way.
We tried to change the movements and positions to add some strikers but we were not organised in terms of keeping the ball.
</blockquote>
In the end, Zimbabwe plummeted from the top of Group B before the match to third place, as three teams finished tied on six points and had to be separated by goal difference.
Comoros, who secured a 1-0 victory over Zambia on the same day, claimed the top spot and advanced directly to the semifinals as group leaders.
Meanwhile, Kenya’s fate hinges on Wednesday’s Group C results to determine if they qualify as the best runner-up.
Defending champions Zambia departed the tournament without earning a single point.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Tapera Proud Of Warriors Despite 2024 COSAFA Cup Exit

Warriors interim coach Jairos Tapera has commended his squad for their performances at the ongoing Hollywoodbets COSAFA CUP 2024 tournament in South Africa, where they secured maximum points in two matches.
Following a 1-0 victory over Comoros on Thursday, Zimbabwe claimed a 2-0 win against rivals Zambia on Sunday.
Tapera, who also coaches Manica Diamonds, had faced criticism after the Warriors’ defeats to Lesotho and South Africa in the 2026 CAF World Cup qualifiers earlier in June.
Ahead of the Warriors’ final Group B game, Tapera expressed his confidence in the players’ performances.
The majority of the players in the squad compete in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL). Said Tapera (via <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/sport/article/200029075/tapera-heaps-praise-on-warriors">NewsDay</a>):
<blockquote>
In terms of performance and results, these boys have done very well. We are proud of their performance in all departments. They are doing exceptionally well and we wish they continued doing that going forward.
I am not surprised by the performance of this team. I have seen these boys play back home in the league, and I was an admirer of all of them before I got this coaching post.
It was a matter of calling these boys to the team because they are all wonderful players. They are very eager to improve in all aspects of the game.
</blockquote>
He specifically mentioned Michael Tapera, who plays for Manica Diamonds but is not related to him.
Michael has scored in both of the Warriors’ matches so far, contributing two of the three goals scored by the team at COSAFA. Said Tapera:
<blockquote>
Everybody can see how good he is. He has been scoring goals at Manica Diamonds, so this is just a continuation of what he has been doing in Zimbabwe. I am happy for him and I wish he continues to improve going forward.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe will face Kenya this afternoon in their final pool game, aiming to secure a semi-final spot.
Tapera mentioned that he plans to rotate the team against Kenya to give all players a chance to showcase their abilities, allowing the technical team to assess their performances.
Defenders Malvin Hativagone, Shane Maroodza from Huddersfield, and Joey Phuti, who made his debut against Zambia as a late substitute, are uncertain for the match due to injuries.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Tapera Applauds Warriors' Strong Start At COSAFA

Warriors interim coach Jairos Tapera will overhaul the squad that was initially announced by the ZIFA Normalisation Committee for the 2024 COSAFA Cup, following the confirmation of the new dates for the tournament.
The 2024 COSAFA Cup will be staged in Durban, South Africa from 26 June to 7 July.
In an interview with <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/tapera-to-overhaul-cosafa-cup-squad/">The Herald</a>, Tapera said he would change the squad and involve players under the age of 23 years. He said:
<blockquote>
Definitely the squad that you saw will be changed. We are going to sit down with my technical team to work on a new team since we would want to base our squad on under-23 selections.
Given that we have to look into the future, we feel this is a tournament to give opportunities to players who have shown promise and are still under the age of 23 years.
Of course, there will be one or two experienced players to make up the spine of the team. So, we are trying to build from there.
But those other players under the age of 23 who have already graduated from the senior team will not be called up because they have already proved themselves.
There is no reason we should be calling someone like Tawanda Chirewa, we should be paving the way for others.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe was drawn in Group B alongside defending champions Zambia, the Comoros and Malawi.
However, Malawi withdrew from the tournament as the country is currently in mourning following the death of Vice President Saulos Klaus Chilima in a plane crash that claimed nine other lives.
Group A has South Africa, Mozambique, Eswatini and Botswana, while Group C has Angola, Namibia, Lesotho, and Seychelles.
According to the organisers of the tournament, the three pool winners and the best runner-up will advance to the semifinals.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Tapera Set To Overhaul Squad For 2024 COSAFA Cup Tournament

Warriors coach Jairosi Tapera has praised Warriors’ new boy Tawanda Chirewa for his outstanding performances in the Group C CAF 2026 World Cup qualifier against South Africa at the Free State Stadium on Tuesday.
The 20-year-old Wolverhampton Wanderers attacking midfielder got Zimbabwe’s consolation goal against Bafana Bafana in the 3-1 loss.
Chirewa also impressed South African fans who took to social media to express plaudits for the England-born Zimbabwean international.
For the goal, Chirewa took a quick throw-in to captain Marshall Munetsi before he was fed back, eliminated two defenders and surprised Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Rowen Williams by toe-poking the ball at his near post.
This was only his second game for Zimbabwe, having played 68 minutes in the match against Lesotho at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg on Friday.
Tapera said Chirewa followed the technical team’s instructions and proved that he was a star in the making. He said (via <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/sport/article/200028184/warriors-new-gem-chirewa-steals-the-show">NewsDay</a>):
<blockquote>
Chirewa was excellent. We had instructed him to play in-between the defensive midfield and the defence of South Africa and he did so well.
(It’s) his second international game and he gets a goal. That was excellent. He is a clever young man and I think going forward, we have a gem in him.
We have a few young players coming in trying to gel with the senior players. I think it is just a matter of time.
We are going to come right. Individually, we had a lot of positives which I think we can build on going forward.
</blockquote>
Speaking to NewsDay, Chirewa expressed disappointment with the two results but said he was happy to represent Zimbabwe. He said:
<blockquote>
I think we will improve as a team. Obviously, we made a lot of individual errors and we did not take some of our chances, but we have good players and we will come right.
I cannot be too happy because we lost. But I am proud to play for Zimbabwe. I have played two games and scored a goal, so I am happy about that part.
</blockquote>
Chirewa was born in Essex, England, to Zimbabwean parents. He made his debut at Ipswich Town on November 12, 2019, appearing as a second-half substitute in a 0–1 away loss to Colchester United in an EFL Trophy group stage match.
At the time, he was the second youngest player to make his first-team debut for the club, after Connor Wickham, at 16 years and 31 days old.
He then signed his first professional contract with the club in November 2020, signing a deal until 2022, with the option of an additional year’s extension.
In September 2023, Chirewa joined Wolves’ Under-21 side and quickly impressed first-team coach Gary O’neal.
O’neal gave the youngster his senior team breakthrough as a second-half substitute in the FA Cup away to Brentford in January this year.
In the same month, Chirewa made his English Premier League debut, as a second-half substitute in a 0–0 draw away to Brighton &amp; Hove Albion.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

We Have A Gem In Tawanda Chirewa, Says Warriors Coach

Interim Warriors coach Jairos Tapera plans to shuffle the team that started in the 2026 World Cup 0-2 defeat to Group C leaders Lesotho at Orlando Stadium on Friday.
The squad left Johannesburg for Bloemfontein in the Free State early Sunday morning for the match against Bafana Bafana on Tuesday.
Tapera has indicated that he will “tinker with the team a bit” following poor displays by some players in the loss to Lesotho. He said (via the <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/tapera-to-ring-changes-warriors-bafana-bafana-face-off/">Chronicle</a>):
<blockquote>
We were disappointed with the result against Lesotho. We played good football but we often switched off when it mattered and we were duly punished.
But we can’t continue to cry over spilt milk with the battle against South Africa beckoning.
Yes, we will need to play around the squad and certainly, we will make some changes. If you look at different areas in the field of play judging from the manner in which we played against Lesotho, you will see that we really need to tinker with the team a bit.
The changes won’t be wholesale though but we definitely need to do so. All the players are doing well and everyone is eager to perform to the best of their abilities and that is a healthy situation to have in the camp.
Everyone is motivated and we will see how we come up with the changes when we face South Africa on Tuesday (tomorrow).
</blockquote>
Centre-backs Gerald Takwara and Teenage Hadebe’s positions are on the line, with Godknows Murwira and Munashe Garan’anga available to step in.
Ngezi Platinum Stars midfield workhorse Richard Hachiro and Martin Mapisa may also be brought in, in place of Andy Rinomhota and Donavan Bernard respectively. Said Tapera:
<blockquote>
Without any doubt, we are looking at shuffling in the defensive third as well as in the midfield and see what works.
We will train in Bloemfontein and that will guide us in seeing what could work for us. We are fully focused on the task at hand and hopefully, we will be able to constrict South Africa.
We have been in South Africa for long enough and we have fully acclimatised to conditions here and there is no reason why we should be bullied in the field of play.
We have quality players coming from all over the world and that gives us wings going into the showdown against South Africa.
</blockquote>
South Africa picked up a point against Nigeria on Friday in Uyo and they will go into the game against the Warriors as the favourites.
However, the Warriors have a slight physical advantage given that Bafana Bafana travelled more than 9,000 km to and from Nigeria while the Zimbabwe squad was in South Africa during that period.
Zimbabwe anchors the table with two points while Lesotho, who are on five points lead the standings going into the matchday four fixtures.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Tapera Set To Shuffle Warriors' Starting Lineup For Bafana Bafana Match

Warriors coach Jairos Tapera expressed disappointment over the team’s 0-2 defeat against Lesotho on Friday. Despite the loss, he commended the players’ performance in the second half.
Tapera attributed the loss to defensive mistakes that led to two soft goals during the half of the match.
He said that while Lesotho deserved respect, the Zimbabwean team should have secured a victory based on the quality of their players, many of whom compete in European leagues. Said Tapera:
<blockquote>
I am very disappointed with the result. We conceded two soft goals due to defensive blunders in the first half.
It was a bad first half, but my boys played well in the second half and I am very happy with that performance.
It’s a game of football, but we needed to respond and win the match.
I am not disrespecting Lesotho, but we ought to beat them given what we have in terms of personnel as compared to them.
</blockquote>
The Warriors paid the price for a poor first-half defensive display in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group C matchday three encounter played at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Lesotho’s Rethabile Rasethuntsa and Jane Thaba-Ntso scored the decisive goals in the first half.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Tapera Praises Warriors' Second-Half Performance In 0-2 Loss To Lesotho

Interim Warriors coach Jairos Tapera says he is happy with his squad’s attitude and enthusiasm to represent the country in the two upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and South Africa.
Tapera met the players for the first time since his appointment, in South Africa on Monday morning before conducting their first training sessions. He said (via <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/warriors-mentality-excites-tapera/">The Herald</a>):
<blockquote>
I am happy to be with this amazing group of players who are showing a lot of zeal and enthusiasm in representing their country.
As the technical team, we got to meet the players in the morning before we started training. I should say, I am thrilled with the attitude on display.
They are showing that they want to defend the badge and that is a very good sign if you ask me.
The morning session was basically about assessing the players’ fitness levels. I am not too satisfied and that’s an area we need to work on.
I think the reason for that is because the season is over for most of them especially those coming from Europe. They are not very far off though.
</blockquote>
Tapera said they are preparing for the match against Lesotho on Friday and will not be underestimating their opponents. He said:
<blockquote>
We will focus more on loading and tactics. I think the physical fitness aspect will also be addressed in the process.
We have quality players in this team and we will try to work on combinations in the next few days.
I am impressed with what I am seeing. I am seeing players who are very passionate about their work and players who are showing a lot of hunger to succeed.
So obviously the combinations will not be very difficult to build. I am seeing some really good chemistry and I am happy.
We are working towards the match against Lesotho coming on Friday.
We know what they are capable of doing and we need not lower our guard. We are keen to bag the full points.
</blockquote>
Warriors co-captain Teenage Hadebe did not take part in yesterday’s sessions after he flew out to sign a contract with a new club after he left Turkish side Konyaspor following the end of the Super Lig season.
Tapera said Hadebe will be back in South Africa this Tuesday.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Tapera Meets Warriors For The First Time, Hails Players' Passion

Warriors interim coach Jairosi Tapera said that the selection of a central striker for the squad for the two 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and South Africa was not based solely on the number of goals they have scored in recent matches.
Tapera faced criticism from some football commentators after excluding Highlanders striker Lynoth Chikuhwa, the Premier Soccer League’s leading goal scorer, from the 23-man squad for the upcoming two matches.
England-based Macauley Bonne indicated that he would not be available for the next two matches, leaving a spot for another striker in the squad.
However, Tapera and his assistants, Saul Chaminuka and Takesure Chiragwi, did not select Chikuhwa but opted for Simba Bhora’s Tymon Machope.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/sport/article/200027767/tapera-explains-selection-criteria">NewsDay</a>, Tapera said they selected Machope instead of Chikuhwa because of other aspects of the game, other than goals. He said:
<blockquote>
When Bonne asked to be excused we had to find a replacement. Many would have thought that we would go for the top goal scorer in the local league, but that’s not how we choose players.
We select based on how the central striker links up with the rest of the team, ball retention and help to go into the pockets.
When we select these teams, it is not Tapera’s job alone, but the collective effort of the technical team and those we consult.
What we need first is to formulate how we want the team to play and choose the profile of the players we need in all the departments. Sometimes selection can be based on the team(s) we are going to play.
</blockquote>
Chikuhwa has also been left out of the squad that will participate in the COSAFA Cup in Durban after the World Cup qualifiers.
Zimbabwe played two draws against Rwanda and Nigeria in Group C matches played in November 2023.
The Warriors still have a chance to qualify for the finals to be staged in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Warriors Coach, Jairos Tapera, Explains Selection Criteria

Interim Warriors caretaker coach Jairos Tapera has named his squad for the 2024 COSAFA Cup tournament in Durban, South Africa in July.
When ZIFA Normalisation Committee Chairman Lincoln Mutasa announced Tapera’s appointment as the Warriors’ caretaker coach, he stated that Tapera and his assistants, Saul Chaminuka and Takesure Chiragwi, would be responsible for overseeing the two 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers this month, as well as the COSAFA tournament
Below is the full squad:
GOALKEEPERS
Marley Tavaziva (Brentford), Geoffrey Chitsumba (Manica Diamonds), Prince Tafiremutsa (Dynamos)
DEFENDERS
Shane Maroodza (Huddersfield), Andrew Mbeba (Highlanders), Emmanuel Jalai (Dynamos), Thubelihle Jubani (Manica Diamonds), Isheanesu Mauchi (Simba Bhora), Tawanda Chisi (Manica Diamonds)
MIDFIELDERS 
Daniel Msendami (Jwaneng Galaxy), Joel Phuthi (Sheffield Wednesday), Juan Mutudza (FC Platinum), Kingsley Mureremba (Caps United), Mtokozisi Msebe (Simba Bhora), Tatenda Tavengwa (Venda Football Academy), Richard Hachiro (Ngezi Platinum), Panashe Mutimbanyoka (FC Platinum), Tinotenda Meke (Green Fuel)
FORWARDS
Macauley Bonne (Cambridge United), Takunda Benhura (Ngezi Platinum), Tinotenda Benza (Herentals), Denzel Mapuwa (Green Fuel)
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Tapera Names Warriors Squad For COSAFA Cup Tournament

Interim Warriors coach Jairos Tapera says he attempted to persuade former captain Knowledge Musona and China-based Nyasha Mushekwi to end their international retirement and participate in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, but his efforts were unsuccessful.
Tapera, who is being assisted by Takesure Chiragwi and Saul Chaminuka, on Wednesday, announced a 23-man squad for the matches against Lesotho and South Africa in June.
There are only seven locally based players in the squad, namely Chicken Inn, Manica Diamonds and Dynamos goalkeepers Donovan Bernard, Godfrey Chitsumba and Martin Mapisa respectively, as well as Highlanders defender, Andrew Mbeba, CAPS United defender Godknows Murwira and Simba Bhora duo of Walter Musona and Tymon Machope.
The squad include the likes of Tawanda Chirewa, Jordan Zemura, Andy Rinomhota, Daniel Msendami, Shane Maroodza, Munashe Garananga, Tivonge Rushesha, Joey Phuthi, Walter Musona and Tawanda Maswanhise.
Tapera told the <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/tapera-reveals-musona-mushekwi-wish/">Zimpapers Sports Hub</a> that he had tried without success to rope in Musona, Mushekwi and England-based striker Macauley Bonne. He said:
<blockquote>
We tried the best that we could to make sure that all departments were balanced. There are some players that we had wanted to be part of the squad, but we couldn’t get them.
Mind you, these are very important games that we are facing, so you would need all your best players available. We reached out to Nyasha Mushekwi but the response was slow.
We also talked to Knowledge Musona and he is unavailable as well. Besides, he is nursing an injury which made him miss the last three games for his team.
Then there is Macauley Bonne, he asked to be excused. He indicated that he was currently changing clubs, so he asked to be excused so that he could facilitate a smooth transfer.
It’s important that we have the core of the squad. There were a few adjustments to the team that has been representing Zimbabwe of late.
We respect what (Baltemar) Brito did in Rwanda (during the opening matches of the qualifiers against Rwanda and Nigeria) and we also respect what Norman Mapeza did in Malawi.
So, we just looked at the core of the teams they deployed, and we worked with that, obviously with a few alterations.
</blockquote>
The Warriors squad will report for camp on Sunday in Johannesburg, where they will host Lesotho at the rented Orlando Stadium on June 7.
Zimbabwe will then play hosts South Africa on June 11 at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

We Wanted Musona And Mushekwi For World Cup Qualifiers - Jairos Tapera

Warriors’ caretaker coach Jairos Tapera is on Wednesday expected to finalise the squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and South Africa next month.
<a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/tapera-to-name-warriors-squad/">The Herald</a> reported that the original squad was selected by former Warriors coach Baltemar Brito and ZIFA’s FIFA Forward manager Kudzi Chitima as ZIFA was racing against time to send requests for release letters to foreign clubs.
FIFA rules and regulations state that football associations wishing to call up a player must notify the player in writing at least 14 days before the first day of the international window. 
Tapera and his assistants, Saul Chaminuka and Takesure Chiragwi, as well as technical advisor Sunday Chidzambwa, were appointed on Friday last week but were only formally handed their appointment letters on Monday afternoon during a meeting with ZIFA.
Tapera on Tuesday told The Herald that he will include most of the players who worked with his predecessors, the Brazilian-born Portuguese Brito and Norman Mapeza. He said:
<blockquote>
I think we will be able to announce the names of the squad that will do national duty in South Africa tomorrow (today) by the end of the day.
If all goes according to plan, we should be able to finish the task by then.
From what is on the ground, we will have to make do with the core of the squad that has been doing national duty in recent assignments.
Surely, there is no time to experiment or try too many new faces.
We just have to build on what has been there. After all, the squad has been in the hands of Baltemar Britto and Norman Mapeza.
These are experienced and good coaches that we believe have set a base we can carry on from.
Where we feel there is a need to make changes, we will duly do so but like I said the basis of the squad has to be from those that have been there.
</blockquote>
Tapera, who is the Manica Diamonds coach, is also expected to name the squad for the COSAFA Cup that will follow soon after the World Cup qualifiers.
The Warriors will host Lesotho at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg on June 7, and then play against South Africa at Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on June 11.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Jairos Tapera To Finalise Warriors Squad

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) Normalisation Committee has appointed Manica Diamonds coach Jairos Tapera as the Senior Men’s National Team (Warriors) Head Coach on an interim basis.
In a statement issued this Friday, Chairman of the Normalisation Committee, Lincoln Mutasa, also said Takesure Chiragwi, who is the Ngezi Platinum Stars coach, and Saul Chaminuka, the Green Fuel coach, have been appointed as the Interim Warriors Assistant Coaches.
Former Warriors Head Coach, Sunday Chidzambga, has been appointed the Warriors Technical Director. Said Mutasa:
<blockquote>
Following the purposeful and expansive process conducted by the ZIFA Normalisation Committee to appoint a substantive Head Coach for our senior men’s national team, my committee and I are pleased to announce that the process has reached its finalisation.
However, due to ongoing discussions with the selected candidate, we are unable to make the necessary announcement at this stage.
Given that our World Cup qualifiers versus Lesotho and South Africa are imminent, the delay in the conclusion of this appointment has necessitated the appointment of an interim coaching team that will take charge of our two FIFA World Cup Qualifiers as well as the COSAFA Senior Men’s Tournament that starts immediately after these qualifiers.
This will assist the ZIFA Normalisation Committee to conclude the substantive appointment of the Head Coach of the Senior Men’s national team meticulously, thoroughly, and successfully.
</blockquote>
Mutasa reiterated that Tapera and his technical team will be in charge of the World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho on 07 June and against South Africa on 11 June, and the COSAFA Men’s Tournament thereafter. He said:
<blockquote>
This team will take charge of the senior men’s FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Lesotho and South Africa and will also lead the team into the COSAFA Men’s Tournament immediately after these assignments.
We have full confidence they will ably lead the team. It is our hope that the nation will rally behind the team and unite to achieve the success we all so dearly desire.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZIFA Appoint Jairos Tapera As Warriors Interim Coach

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:
<blockquote>
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.
</blockquote>
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:
<blockquote>
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.
</blockquote>
Some of the players above the age of 30 are Ticha Mabvura, Themba Ndlovu, Jorum Muchambo, Pasca Manhanga and Timire Mamvura. <a href="https://www.manicapost.co.zw/i-want-average-age-of-25-tapera/">The Manica Post</a>

Manica Diamonds Coach Jairos Tapera Wants Average Age Of 25

Jairos Tapera coach of Yadah Stars has been suspended for today’s game against Bantu Rovers at Luveve Stadium. Tapera lost his last game against Dynamos, after he allegedly changed the team and the gameplan which Prophet Walter Magaya had set out for him. Magaya was unavailable on the matchday as he had to travel to South Africa. Tapera’s future is now uncertain as it is reported that Magaya was in charge of training this week and he is expected to be in charge of today’s match against Bantu Rovers.
The Dynamos game was Yadah’s first loss this season. They have won two games and drawn three.
More:<a href="http://www.soccer24.co.zw/2017/05/06/28826/"> Soccer24</a>

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