Online Reporter
Onward Gangata
TELONE coach Herbert Maruwa, expects a reaction from his players when the Wifi Boys travel to Norton to face MWOS at Ngoni Stadium on Saturday, insisting the season will only truly begin for his side after last weekend’s frustrating defeat to Dynamos.
The Gweru outfit opened their campaign with a 2-1 loss to DeMbare at Ascot Stadium, a match played on a heavy muddy surface that made proper football almost impossible and left Maruwa disappointed, not just with the result but with the overall intensity his players showed on the day.
Now, the former Dynamos and Black Rhinos coach wants to see a different TelOne when they come up against Lloyd Mutasa’s MWOS, a team that finished as runners-up last season and will provide an early measure of how far the Wifi Boys can go in this campaign.
Maruwa believes the squad he assembled during the off-season is stronger than the one he worked with last year and insists it is only a matter of time before the team begins to show the quality he has been seeing in training.
“We have a good team compared to the one we had last season, maybe it is just a question of time before they adjust to the way we want to play,” said Maruwa.
“There was nothing really to talk about in the first game, especially in terms of tactics. The pitch conditions made it very difficult for both teams to play the way they wanted.”
The TelOne coach feels the defeat to Dynamos should not be used to judge the potential of his side, saying the players themselves know they must produce a much stronger display when they face MWOS.
“For us, the season starts now,” he said. “After losing three points at home, we have to bounce back quickly and make sure we stay close to the teams that are picking up points early.”
TelOne strengthened their squad ahead of the new season with a number of experienced arrivals aimed at adding depth and maturity to the team.
Midfielder Innocent Muchaneka was brought in to provide control in the middle of the park, while striker Jerry Chipangura made an immediate impact when he scored on his debut against Dynamos. Marvelous Chigumira has also returned to the club as part of the rebuilding process.
The club also added Blessing Matebeck, Zibusiso Ruguchu, Farai Mutatu and goalkeeper Takudzwa Chikosi as Maruwa reshaped the squad during the off-season.
The coach is convinced the additions will make a difference as the campaign gathers momentum and believes the players have the ability to compete strongly this year.
“We want to see the fighting spirit,” he said. “The players know what is expected and this is the moment for them to show what they can do.”
TelOne have set themselves a bold objective this season. The club wants to challenge seriously for honours and is targeting at least one trophy before the campaign ends.
