Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
HERBERT “Jompano” Maruwa has been listed among some of the Castle Premier Soccer League coaches whose futures are uncertain, following TelOne’s indifferent start to the 2026 campaign, but the respected gaffer has remained calm, insisting it’s just a phase that will pass.
TelOne are winless in their opening six games of the season and are placed 15th on the log standings, with three points from a possible 18.
The WIFI Boys sit above Agama, Triangle United and Manica Diamonds.
Maruwa admits his side are in an unfamiliar position, but the former Dynamos gaffer has noted some positives from recent matches, especially the clean sheet at ZPC Kariba on Easter Monday.
However, TelOne are among the top scorers with six goals, four behind leading scorers Scottland.
TelOne also have a solid away record.
They have not lost on the road in eight consecutive matches since last season.
It has been their home form that has caused some at Runhare House to press some panic button.
So far this season, TelOne have lost all their home games against Dynamos, Simba Bhora and defending champions Scottland.
They host Chicken Inn at Ascot on Saturday, hoping to arrest this worrying streak.
“I was happy with the draw at ZPC Kariba because it was our first clean sheet of the season.
“Combined from last season, we have now gone for almost 10 games without losing on the road.
“If you have noticed, we go to Ngoni stadium and we get a point against a good MWOS side, we go to Kariba we get another point at a difficult venue like Nyamhunga.
“So, it’s just at home where we have not been doing well.
“But, we will get it right soon and start moving up the ladder,” Maruwa told Zimpapers Sports Hub.
TelOne finished a respectable fifth last season, their best achievement in the Premier Soccer League since their debut in 2019.
So a lot is expected from the Gweru side this term.
Although they lost Soccer Star of the Year and Golden Boot winner Washington Navaya to Hardrock, TelOne still managed to retain key players including Tawanda Macheke, Blessing Sahondo, Eria Mafirakureva and captain Frank Makarati.
They also added a few players including ex-Yadah Stars striker Jerry Chipangura who has already scored two goals.
“It’s just a phase, there’s light at the end of the tunnel, we just need to be calm, results are just around the corner.
“We have a strong squad which can compete and I am happy our captain is recovering after playing just one game out of the six games, so defensively we are improving and offensively we are okay, having already scored six goals in open play,” noted Maruwa.
Zimpapers Sports Hub understands key figures at the club still retain faith in Maruwa.
They owe him for what he did last season – guiding the side to fifth position.
