Online Reporter
Onward Gangata-Zimpapers Sports Hub
TELONE are running out of time and running out of excuses. Seven home defeats already sit beside their name this season and Saul Chaminuka now heads into what could become a defining stretch in the WiFi Boys’ fight for survival.
Sunday’s Castle Lager Premier Soccer League clash against Agama at Ascot Stadium will be Chaminuka’s fifth game in charge since replacing Herbert Maruwa, with the veteran coach still searching for his first victory.
TelOne have managed just eight points from 14 matches and remain stuck in the relegation fight, with Chaminuka collecting two points from his first four games in charge.
The pressure has grown because teams around them have started finding a way out.
Manica Diamonds looked to be in a similar situation only weeks ago, but the Mutare side has started climbing away from danger. Their last visit to Ascot ended with a 2-1 comeback win over TelOne.
Questions have started following Chaminuka, but the former ZPC Kariba, Dynamos and GreenFuel coach says results do not change overnight.
“One thing people need to know is that there are no shortcuts in football. We have not had enough time to work on many areas because the games have been too close to each other,” Chaminuka told Zimpapers Sports Hub.
“Teams that enjoy good results come from a good preparatory foundation. Teams play the way they train. You train the way you play and play the way you train.”
The first half of the season is entering its closing stretch, and TelOne face a run of matches that could shape their position going into the break.
Playing Agama at home, Highlanders at home and Bulawayo Chiefs away now stand between TelOne and a difficult second half of the season.
“The team has had a bad home record since September last year. Every dog has its day, and we are hopeful that we can break the jinx and win the next two matches at Ascot starting this Sunday,” said Chaminuka.
