Manica Diamonds Football Club has formally requested the disbandment of its senior team following a breakdown in relations between players and the club’s new leadership, according to a leaked statement by the club.

The club outlined efforts made after assuming control, including settling outstanding salary issues left by previous owners and investing heavily in improving player welfare and infrastructure.

“We acted immediately and in good faith by paying all players and members of the technical team a salary advance while awaiting the finalisation of the club transfer process,” the statement read.

The club said it introduced significant changes aimed at professionalizing operations, such as placing players in a full residential camp for the first time this season and procuring a complete kit package, including home, away, and alternative strips, as well as training kits and travel attire. Additional measures included purchasing gym equipment and securing accommodation for players and coaches to foster a high-performance environment.

Management also highlighted financial commitments toward upgrading Sakubva Stadium to meet Premier Soccer League standards and strengthening community support. “We investedManica Diamonds FC Seeks Disbandment of Senior Team Amid Player Dispute

Manica Diamonds Football Club has formally requested the disbandment of its senior team following a breakdown in relations between players and the club’s new leadership, according to a statement released by the club.

In the statement, the club outlined efforts made after assuming control, including settling outstanding salary issues left by previous owners and investing heavily in improving player welfare and infrastructure. “We acted immediately and in good faith by paying all players and members of the technical team a salary advance while awaiting the finalisation of the club transfer process,” the statement read.

The club said it introduced significant changes aimed at professionalizing operations, such as placing players in a full residential camp for the first time this season and procuring a complete kit package, including home, away, and alternative strips, as well as training kits and travel attire. Additional measures included purchasing gym equipment and securing accommodation for players and coaches to foster a high-performance environment.

Management also highlighted financial commitments toward upgrading Sakubva Stadium to meet Premier Soccer League standards and strengthening community support. “We invested significant financial resources into the renovation of Sakubva Stadium… all the above done in one week,” the club stated.

Despite these interventions, the club claims senior players responded negatively and refused to train while the ownership transition was still ongoing. “This conduct has demonstrated a breakdown in trust and a lack of professional commitment from the current senior team,” the statement said.

As a result, the club has appealed to the football authorities to dissolve the senior squad and instead promote the junior team, integrating it with an existing Division One side to build a new structure aligned with long-term development goals.

“We respectfully request that the senior team… be disbanded, and that approval be granted for the club’s junior team to be promoted,” the statement added.

Manica Diamonds reaffirmed its commitment to building a sustainable and professional football model in Zimbabwe, expressing hope that the association will urgently consider the matter. "significant financial resources into the renovation of Sakubva Stadium… all the above done in one week,” the club stated.

Despite these interventions, the club claims senior players responded negatively and refused to train while the ownership transition was still ongoing. “This conduct has demonstrated a breakdown in trust and a lack of professional commitment from the current senior team,” the statement said.

As a result, the club has appealed to the football authorities to dissolve the senior squad and instead promote the junior team, integrating it with an existing Division One side to build a new structure aligned with long-term development goals.

“We respectfully request that the senior team  be disbanded, and that approval be granted for the club’s junior team to be promoted,” the statement added.