By Desire Tshuma
MUTARE — Manica Diamonds FC has appointed businessman Tinashe Leslie Chipunza as chairman and announced a full restructuring of its board and executive management, in a move the club says is aimed at restoring stability and competitiveness in the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League.
The changes, announced on Wednesday, come as the Mutare-based side fights to avoid relegation. The club said the overhaul is effective immediately and is designed to align operations with modern football governance and commercial standards.
Under the new structure, Evance Kamombo will serve as club president, with Tapiwa Letmore Mbidzo as vice president for commercial and marketing. The board will also include C Kamombo, T Kamombo, and C Gurura.
Chipunza will lead the executive management team as chairman, deputised by M Chihowa. F Mukwinya takes the role of treasurer, while N Kadenge will serve as chief executive officer.
“This restructuring process reflects the club’s proactive approach to meeting the evolving demands of the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League,” the club said in a statement. “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 Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League has been formally notified of the changes.
Chipunza is known for his long-standing involvement in grassroots football development and has spent decades investing in young talent across Zimbabwe. He is the younger brother of Fossil founder and a close associate of businessmen Kudakwashe Tagwirei and Obey Chimuka, a connection that has drawn increased attention to his appointment.
“Manica Diamonds FC is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Tinashe Leslie Chipunza,” the club said. “His leadership, experience and commitment to football development will play an important role in strengthening the club’s vision and future growth. We congratulate and wish him success in his new role.”
On the pitch, the club has shown early signs of improvement since the leadership changes. In six matches under the new administration, Manica Diamonds have recorded two wins, two draws and two losses.
Club spokesperson Tapiwa Letmore Mbidzo said the results were encouraging given the pressure of the relegation battle.
“We are on the right track. We lost two games, 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,” Mbidzo said.
Supporters in Mutare and across Manicaland have welcomed the changes, with many expressing hope that the new leadership can return the club to its former status as one of the PSL’s most competitive sides.