MANICA Diamonds have approached Zifa for the possible release of left-back Thubelihle Jubani for the team’s crucial Chibuku Super Cup semi-final clash against Dynamos at Rufaro Stadium on Sunday.
Jubani is part of Warriors squad in camp for the African Nations Championships (Chan) tie against Eswatini in Botswana on Sunday. Zimbabwe are the home side.
The Gem Boys’ coach Jairos Tapera confirmed that his club made overtures to Zifa over Jubani’s release.
“So far so good in terms of preparing for the semi-final and we continue to prepare. Of course we have some worries. Our left back Thubelihle Jubani is in camp with the Warriors for Chan. We are trying to negotiate with Zifa so that he can be released for the semi-final. He is a key member of our squad. Chan is not on the Fifa calendar. The club wrote to Zifa today [yesterday] and we waiting for the response,” Tapera said.
Their opponents on Sunday, DeMbare, have no player in the Chan squad.
Tapera is also worried that another influential defender Tawanda Chisi is a doubtful starter for Sunday’s tie due to injury so are Liberty Chakoroma and Pasca Manhanga.
The gaffer is, however, upbeat about the Sunday game saying it will not be easy playing Dynamos, the Chibuku Super Cup holders.
“Playing a cup game is different from playing in the league. You win one game and you in the next stage. It is always difficult to play these big clubs, Highlanders, Caps United and Dynamos and cup games are tricky, but we are looking forward to a good and exciting game. Let the better team win on Sunday,” Tapera said.
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Manica Diamonds dispatched Chegutu Pirates 3-0 in the first round of the Chibuku Super Cup before beating FC Platinum 1-0 in the quarter-finals last month to progress to the semi-final for the big clash against The Glamour Boys.
In the other semi-final, Ngezi Platinum Stars face Simba Bhora at Baobab Stadium on Saturday.
