Jairos Tapera sent on forced leave

Manica Diamonds head coach Jairos Tapera has been sent on forced leave following a disappointing string of results, in what appears to be the beginning of a quiet managerial reshuffle at the Premier Soccer League side.

Tapera, who had been under mounting pressure as the team struggled to produce positive results, is now expected to be reassigned within the club's broader structures, effectively ending his involvement with the senior team's technical affairs.

Club chairman Masimba Chihowa confirmed the development in an interview, saying assistant coach Tafadzwa Mashiri will take over as caretaker coach as the club seeks a turnaround in fortunes.

"It is true, we have sent Jairos Tapera on forced leave, and his assistant, Tafadzwa Mashiri, is taking over," Chihowa said. "This has been done so that we take time to introspect and see how best we can turn things around."

Sources within the club revealed that the move was largely a contractual tactic to manage Tapera's exit without triggering potential compensation clauses. The 63-year-old gaffer may eventually be reassigned to a different role, effectively ending his tenure as first-team coach.

"Everyone associated with Manica Diamonds is not happy with the results that this team has been posting, and we have reached a stage where something just has to be done to redress the matter," Chihowa added.

Manica Diamonds, once viewed as potential title contenders, have failed to meet expectations this season. Poor form and inconsistency have left the team languishing in the bottom half of the Premier Soccer League table, prompting calls for drastic changes.

With Mashiri now in charge on an interim basis, the club is hoping to regain form and salvage what remains of their campaign. Whether Tapera will accept a background role or part ways with the club altogether remains to be seen.