Kamombo And Mhembere Unite In Call To Save Manicaland Football

By Desire Ncube

Mutare — Manicaland football leaders have set aside club rivalry to speak with one voice, calling on the province to unite and rescue top-flight football following the relegation of Manica Diamonds from the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.

Manica Diamonds owner Evance Kamombo and Deportivo La Murambinda president Pegnitious Mhembere have both warned that relegation must not be allowed to kill the province’s football dream, but must instead trigger collective action to bring Premier League action back to Sakubva Stadium.

Kamombo, who took over the Gem Boys with significant financial responsibilities, said the moment calls for leadership, not blame.

“Yes, Manica Diamonds have been relegated, but we need to demonstrate leadership by finding alternatives to ensure there is football at Sakubva Stadium next year,” Kamombo said.

Mhembere echoed that sentiment, saying the mission to keep Mutare on the top-flight map is now bigger than any single club.

“The mission is bigger than one team. It is about ensuring that Sakubva Stadium continues to be a home for ambitious footballers and passionate supporters,” Mhembere said.

Both leaders have challenged Manicaland’s influential figures, businesspeople, corporate organisations and community leaders to come on board and invest in a practical plan to restore the province’s presence in the country’s top competition.

They also urged football lovers to rally behind Manicaland clubs still fighting in the Eastern Region Division One League, where promotion offers a direct route back to the Premier Soccer League.

Yadah are leading the promotion race, while Deportivo La Murambinda, Tenax CS FC and GreenFuel FC remain among the teams in contention.

For Mhembere, supporting those clubs is not a fallback option but a deliberate strategy to keep the province’s hopes alive while Manica Diamonds rebuild.

Mhembere made a direct plea to the people of Manicaland to turn out in numbers for Deportivo La Murambinda’s remaining games.

“We are asking our people from Manicaland to come and support us in our remaining games. We need them at Sakubva and wherever we play,” Mhembere said.

She said the support of the fans could be the difference between promotion and another season in the lower division.

“The boys need to feel that the whole province is behind them. When our supporters fill the stands, it lifts the players and makes our opponents feel the pressure. We cannot do this alone,” she said.

Mhembere also called on local businesspeople and community leaders to rally behind the team in the final stretch of the season.

“We are calling on all Manicaland stakeholders, businesspeople, leaders and supporters, to stand with us now. Your support, whether it is coming to watch, sponsoring transport, or encouraging the players, will go a long way in helping us secure promotion,” Mhembere said.

She added that Deportivo La Murambinda is not fighting for itself alone, but for the province.

“This is not just about Deportivo La Murambinda. This is about Manicaland football. If we get promoted, Manicaland will have top-flight football back at Sakubva. That is why we are asking everyone to join this journey with us until the last game,” Mhembere said.

Kamombo believes Manicaland, with a population of more than two million people and a strong football following, has the numbers, the talent and the passion to rise again if stakeholders work together.

Their joint appeal is clear: relegation should not divide the province or extinguish its ambitions. It should unite stakeholders behind investment, partnerships and sustained support for local clubs.

Manica Diamonds have gone down, but Manicaland football leaders insist the province must rise again — together.