By Fungai Munyoro

AGEING former Dynamos captain Stephen Alimenda failed to make the grade at newly formed Manica Diamonds FC.

Alimenda, whose official age is 29, is not part of Manica Diamond’s list of 24 players.

Manica Diamonds FC is bankrolled by the Zimbabwe Consolidated Mining Company (ZCDC) and is set to partake in the Eastern Region Division One League in the 2018 season.

Alimenda, who had indicated in a recent interview that he was geared to play for the Gem Boys looked disappointed as his name was not amongst the 24 names announced.

Earlier on, Alimenda had told our sister paper The Manica Post that he had been offered a new contract by Triangle but felt that Manica Diamond FC was going to offer him a better package.

After an overwhelming turn out of more than 230 players during their trials at Sakubva Stadium, Manica Diamond FC last finally signed a total of 19 senior and five junior players.

Several players from different clubs including some who have donned Premiership club jerseys competed to join Manica Diamonds FC ahead of the start of the ZIFA Eastern region 2018 season.

Masomere chose to be diplomatic when asked why Alimenda was not part of his list saying he had overlooked the player because he had joined the trials a bit late.

“He was not with us when we started trials therefore we felt it would be unfair for the players who had turned out for trials early and had shown commitment to the team,’ said Masomere.

According to the club chairman Newton Demba they still have to sign six more senior players.

“So far we have successfully managed negotiations with 24 players and all administrative formalities have been done. We have assembled a team that we believe can challenge for honours this season. We are only left with a slot for six senior players.

“We have assembled a technically sound team which we think it will carry the flag high for our sponsors, our province and the nation at large. We are working flat out and leaving no stone unturned such that Manica Diamond FC will be the pride of Manicaland.

“As the formal training progresses, the technical team will be assessing all the departments for shortfalls and we will announce our targets,” he said.

Demba also spelled out the vision of the club.

“Our vision is to create employment through sport especially for the Manicaland people and the nation at large.

“The number of players that were willing to join Manica Diamond FC was overwhelming but we could not take all of them on board,” said Demba.

Squad
Benjamin Marere, Steven ‘Dealer’ Sibanda, Godfrey Chisango, Hibron Makukutu, Clemence Mukudu, Rodrick Mufudza, Jonathan Zvaita, Moses Gutu, Patrick Dubbs, Tonderai Dunga, Philip Makanje, Louis Matawu, Talkmore Tinarwo, Mlungisi Ndlovu, Malvin Tsuro, Nelson Tachi, Thembani Masuku, Tinashe Kawerere,Matthew Chiyarira, Brian Chirandu, Cryton Tsvarai and William Mapfumo.