Online Reporter
Curtworth Masango, Zimpapers Sports Hub
TELONE are closing in on their greatest top-flight achievement yet, heading into the final matchday with a chance to secure a top-four finish in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.
The Gweru-based side sit fifth on 54 points and face champions Scottland at Ascot Stadium on November 22. While the match holds no bearing on the title race, it carries significant weight for TelOne, who could leapfrog into the top four if Ngezi Platinum drop points against MWOS.
It has been a campaign to remember — built on belief, structure and individual brilliance. For the first time in the club’s history, TelOne could see two players named among the Soccer Stars of the Year finalists.
Leading this charge are striker Washington Navaya, the league’s top scorer with 17 goals, and Tawanda Macheke, whose creativity and resurgence have transformed the team’s attacking play. Macheke has contributed seven goals and ten assists — a remarkable return for a player many believed had reached his ceiling.
His revival has been one of the stories of the season. Reflecting on his time at the club, Macheke said the environment and the coach’s trust were key to his turnaround.
“It wasn’t smooth,” said Macheke. “But the teammates and the coaches helped me a lot to settle. The other crucial thing is I worked with coach Herbert Maruwa before, so he knows me sometimes more than I know myself. I knew what to expect from him as well.”
Macheke credited his success to a calm and consistent mindset.
“Hard work and patience I think played a bigger role this season,” he said. “I don’t really have a routine; I only pray before matches and try to relax as much as possible, and I think it has had a positive impact.”
He also pointed to the tactical freedom granted by Maruwa as a major factor in his growth.
“I have played most of the games not only in the number nine position but also on the left wing. So, the freedom to express myself and not being restricted to play by the book, I think, played a pivotal role in improving my game this season.”
That freedom, he says, came with love and responsibility.
“I appreciate Manica Diamonds, but at TelOne I felt the love and trust. At TelOne I was given more responsibility; it’s evident I have played and started all the league games and managed to help with not only goals but also 10 assists. So, basically, at TelOne I felt the love and trust.”
As the season draws to a close, Macheke is already setting new targets.
“I just wish for more improvement as a team as well as individually. This year, I have 17 goal contributions so far; hence the next campaign I wish to do better.”
Whether or not they make the top four, TelOne have already written a new chapter in their history — one powered by belief, balance and the rebirth of Tawanda Macheke.
