Young gem boys eye positive results against Four Lions FC

MANICA Diamonds Under-19 coach Hebron Makukutu believes his youthful charges are on the right path as they continue their Division One campaign, insisting the Young Gem Boys have what it takes to compete with the league’s best. The Gem Boys’ developmental side produced an impressive performance in their opening match of the second half of the Pacific Storm Eastern Region Division One League, playing out a goalless draw against Africa Minerals Ventures (AMV) in Rusape last Friday. Although the two sides shared the spoils, Manica Diamonds Under-19 looked the better side for long periods and could easily have collected maximum points after winning a second-half penalty.

However, the spot-kick was missed after it had been brilliantly won by exciting new Zambian signing Gift Mukuli, whose pace, skill and direct approach caused endless problems for the AMV defence. Mukuli, who joined the Young Gem Boys during the mid-season break, has already established himself as one of the team’s brightest attacking prospects, with his eye-catching performances giving supporters every reason to believe they have unearthed another rare talent. Makukutu said his players were beginning to understand the club’s philosophy and were showing encouraging signs ahead of tomorrow’s clash against Four Lions FC at Chisamba Stadium in Mutare.

“I am happy with the team. Their performance was top-notch last Friday in Rusape. The boys are playing as a united team and they have grasped our philosophy.

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If that performance is anything to go by, I believe this team will go very far,” said Makukutu. The coach described Mukuli as a special talent capable of becoming one of the league’s standout players. “We signed a new player during the break and the boy is amazing.

He is a superstar in the making and a rare gem. I am hopeful he will score against Four Lions FC,” he said. Makukutu said his side would approach Friday’s encounter with confidence, while respecting their opponents.

“My boys are fighters. We respect Four Lions FC and we are not taking anything away from them because they are a good side. But we will try our level best to win the match.

The boys are ready for the challenge,” he said. The coach also paid tribute to Manica Diamonds president Evance Kamombo for his continued support of the club’s developmental structures.

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