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Langton Nyakwenda
THERE is little time to settle for Herbert “Jompano” Maruwa, who plunges into battle against a formidable side, just two days after starting official duties at TelOne.
The former Black Rhinos, Dynamos and Harare City coach will be in charge of the Midlands side against 2015 champions Chicken Inn in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League encounter at Bata this afternoon.
Maruwa replaced Tendai Chikuni who was relieved of his duties last week and started working with his new club on Monday
He takes over a team that is win-less in the last seven rounds during which they have lost four times and drawn in three outings.
TelOne last won a league match on April 7, when they edged Hwange 1-0 at the Colliery.
They are now 16th on the 18-team log table.
“I am happy to be the coach at the Midlands-based team and I was received well here,” Maruwa said.
“I started training the team on Monday and just two days later we are playing Chicken Inn.
“It’s a demanding assignment and the boys are going to work extra hard.”
Chicken Inn are fresh from an impressive 3-2 triumph over Simba Bhora at Luveve.
They are unbeaten in their last three matches and are now fourth on the table with 20 points.
Maruwa has respect for the Gamecocks.
“Chicken Inn are a very good side and they have an experienced coach in Joey Antipas.
“This is my first game in charge and it’s a new environment but I need to quickly settle down.
“I expect the boys to quickly adjust to the way I want them to play, having trained with them for only two days.
“I can only ask for their commitment and try to boost their confidence. But, as a coach, I am ready for the challenge,” said Maruwa.
Bongani Ndlovu
Mathew Masinge