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Langton Nyakwenda
Sports Reporter
RELEGATION-threatened TelOne believe a return to their favourite hunting ground at Ascot stadium could help their cause as the 2024 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League gets into its business end.
The Wi-Fi Boys, who are the only Premiership club in Gweru, have been using Bata but they could soon shift base, as renovations at Ascot are at an advanced stage.
ZIFA’s First Instance Board (FIB) led by Sharrif Mussa are expected to inspect the Gweru venue next week.
Club president, Oscah Nduwure, is optimistic his club will be allowed to use Ascot for the remainder of the season.
“We will be inviting the First Instance Board next week.
“Hopefully, they will allow us to play at Ascot given the efforts we have put,” said Nduwure.
TelOne are making a second appearance in the Premiership after making its debut in 2019.
They were relegated at the end of that season but Nduwure and his executive steered the team back into the top-flight this year.
But, just like in 2019, TelOne are in danger of making a quick return to the Central Region Division One League.
However, Nduwure is confident his side can survive the chop.
He believes a return to Ascot could give TelOne an advantage as they battle to retain their status in the Premiership.
TelOne used Ascot the last time they were in the top-flight while relegated WhaWha also played the Gweru venue in 2022.
“Ascot is our real home ground, most of our supporters live close the stadium and some of our players also come from suburbs close to the facility.
“That’s why we have put in a lot of effort to have the stadium ready for Premiership football,” he said.
The Wi-Fi Boys were set to host Dynamos this weekend, but the fixture has been postponed as DeMbare are involved in the CAF Confederation Cup.
TelOne will play Bulawayo Chiefs in the City of Kings on Match Day 25 and they are hoping Ascot will have been homologated by the time they play their next home game.
They are currently 15th on the log with 24 points, two behind Bikita Minerals who are just above the drop zone, with 11 rounds to go. The Gweru outfit had a forgettable return to the Premiership as they struggled in the first half of the season under Tendai Chikuni.
Former Dynamos coach Herbert “Jompano” Maruwa, was then appointed in May, with the task of taming the losing culture and making sure TelOne does not make an instant return to Division One.
Maruwa has taken charge of 11 games.
He has two wins, seven draws, and two losses.
“We are happy with his (Maruwa’s) performance so far, you can see an improvement in the way the team is playing,” said Nduwure.
“As the executive we are fully behind Maruwa and we will support him.
“The team made some additions, especially at the back, and it’s evident the team has stabilised. What we now need to improve on is scoring.”
Maruwa made some additions during the July window, bringing on board ex-CAPS United defender Tafadzwa Jaravani, veteran midfielder Xolisani Moyo, and former GreenFuel goalkeeper Chris Mverechena.
The former Black Rhinos gaffer is optimistic about his team’s chances.
“There’s all to play for in the last 11 games, anything can happen and we have a strong chance of surviving,” said Maruwa.
TelOne are out of the Chibuku Super Cup and can now concentrate fully on surviving the chop.
Online Reporter