Maruwa calm ahead of Scottland tie

Onward Gangata, Zimpapers Sports Hub

THINGS have not unfolded exactly as TelOne would have hoped this season, with the Gweru side enduring a frustrating opening four weeks to the campaign. Four matches into the season, the Wifi Boys are still searching for their first victory, having recorded two draws and two losses.

For a team that finished an impressive fifth last term, it is a start that has failed to meet the expectations of the TelOne faithful.

Performances have been marked by inconsistency, with the side struggling on home soil while showing flashes of quality away from home, most notably in the spirited 2–2 draw at Mandava Stadium.

TelOne coach Herbert Maruwa has understandably been given considerable credit by the bank-sponsored outfit following last season’s strong showing.

However, football is often unforgiving, and past success does not guarantee future security. Already, the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League has claimed its first coaching casualty, with Thomas Ruzive parting ways with Triangle after a slow start.

Maruwa is realistic about the situation and, while acknowledging that results must improve, insists he remains composed.

The Wifi Boys welcome defending champions Scottland at Ascot Stadium on Thursday in what shapes up to be a demanding test.

“I’m not under any pressure at all. We assembled a team for the season and not for the opening five matches, yes results have been hard to come by at home but I am confident of the team we have. This is my third season here, we survived relegation in the first season, finished fifth last year and this year our target is to be better than last term,” Maruwa told Zimpapers Sports Hub.

TelOne have paid a heavy price for conceding points at home in recent outings, and Maruwa is adamant that the trend must be arrested.

He revealed that emphasis has been placed on mental preparation ahead of the Scottland fixture scheduled for Friday.

“Much of it is now psychological, we have just been working on the players’ mentality, they just need to be resolute and stand their ground.

“We have prepared well for the Scottland game, we must make use of our home advantage, they are the champions but I’m positive we will get a favourable result,” he said.