Online Reporter
Onward Gangata
Zimpapers Sports Hub
TELONE coach, Herbert “Jompano” Maruwa, says how his side navigates their opening five matches will define the rest of their season.
The WI-FI Boys opened their Castle Lager Premier Soccer League campaign with a home clash against former champions Dynamos followed by a visit to MWOS at Ngoni last weekend.
They will host to 2024 champions Simba Bhora at Ascot today, searching for their first win after managing just a point via a defeat by Dynamos and a draw with MWOS.
After Simba Bhora, TelOne will travel to Zvishavane to face FC Platinum in a Midlands derby before squaring off against defending champions Scottland at home.
On paper, these appear very tough fixtures for the Gweru side who finished fifth last season.
Maruwa insists that while their run of fixtures is tough, his charges have to show up and stand up against the big boys in the league.
“Playing the strong sides early in the season prepares us for the rest of the season.
“This is the perfect opportunity for the boys to build their character and show what they are made of, we have to get positive results against the tougher sides in the league.
“Our opening five matches pits us against last season’s top teams except for Dynamos, so it’s good for us to test ourselves and set the foundation for a better campaign,’’ Maruwa said.
TelOne suffered a 2-1 reverse against Dynamos, allowing the Harare giants to come from behind and snatch a late winner.
They then settled for a 1-1 deadlock against MWOS.
Despite a win yet to come by, Maruwa has opted to look at his team’s overall performance, and the former Dynamos, Black Rhinos and Harare City coach is encouraged by what he has seen so far.
He is happy with his attack; he challenged his rearguard to play with more solidity to avoid shipping in goals.
Among the three goals they have conceded, was a late penalty against MWOS last Saturday.
Maruwa noted that with better composure, especially at the back, his team can hold out for results.
“The first two matches have been encouraging in terms of our attack the goals are coming which is a good thing.
“However, we need to be tighter at the back and keep clean sheets in order for us to win games,” added Maruwa.
He has assembled a team that blends youth and experience and which includes talented national Under-17 winger Tatenda Maulidi, who arrived on loan from Legends Football Academy.
