By Tendai Chisiri
MUTARE — Manica Diamonds FC has turned to one of Zimbabwe’s most active grassroots football backers, appointing businessman Tinashe Leslie Chipunza as chairman in a leadership overhaul the club says is designed to stabilize operations and improve competitiveness in the Premier Soccer League.
The appointment, announced Wednesday, is part of a broader restructuring of the board and executive management that takes effect immediately. Club officials said the changes were made to bring governance and commercial operations in line with modern football standards as the Mutare side battles relegation.
Under the new setup, Evance Kamombo becomes club president while Tapiwa Letmore Mbidzo takes on the role of vice president for commercial and marketing. The board also includes C Kamombo, T Kamombo, and C Gurura. Chipunza will head the executive team as chairman, supported by vice chairman M Chihowa, treasurer F Mukwinya, and chief executive officer N Kadenge.
The club said the restructuring reflects a deliberate push to meet the demands of a league that is increasingly professional in its requirements. “By reinforcing our governance and commercial leadership, Manica Diamonds FC remains committed to achieving excellence both on and off the pitch while ensuring full compliance with modern sporting regulations,” the statement read. The PSL has been formally notified of the changes.
Chipunza’s name is familiar in community football circles. For decades he has funded youth teams, tournaments, and coaching programs across the country, building a reputation among coaches and players for hands-on involvement. His appointment has drawn added attention due to his family ties — he is the younger brother of Fossil founder and a close associate of businessmen Kudakwashe Tagwirei and Obey Chimuka.
The club framed the appointment as a strategic move to bridge community roots with elite-level ambition. “His leadership, experience and commitment to football development will play an important role in strengthening the club’s vision and future growth,” Manica Diamonds said.
Early results suggest the changes are beginning to resonate on the pitch. In six matches since the new administration took charge, the team has recorded two wins, two draws, and one loss.
Club spokesperson Tapiwa Letmore Mbidzo described the run as a positive step given the pressure of fighting relegation. “We are on the right track. We lost one game, won two and drew two. This is not a bad start at all. We are fighting to move out of the relegation zone and we are pleased with the results so far,” he said.
In Mutare and across Manicaland, supporters have responded with cautious optimism, hoping the new leadership can restore the club’s reputation as one of the league’s most competitive sides.
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