Online Reporter
Onward Gangata, [email protected]
TELONE head coach, Herbert Maruwa has been relieved of his duties as the coach of the Gweru-based side after a dismal start to the season.
This marks the start of the crazy part of the season in which clubs, sensing danger, are firing coaches.
Maruwa leaves the Wifi Boys languishing in the relegation zone in 16th place on the log standings with a measly three points from nine matches.
The former Dynamos and Black Rhinos coach’s future at the Midlands side had been a subject of debate since his side suffered a 1-0 loss at home to Herentals, which was the fifth defeat at home.
TelOne president, Oscah Nduwure confirmed that they had parted ways with the coach.
“He still has a running contract with the club, which was due for renewal subject to performance related appraisals but we had a meeting with him and agreed not to renew the contract when it expires next month,” said Nduwure.
He revealed that assistant coach Charles Mutero will be in charge of the team in the interim as the club begins the search for a replacement.
Nduwure added that their search for a substantive coach will be informed by a scientific approach to recruitment.
“In the meantime, Charles Mutero will be in charge of the team as we look for a replacement. We are taking our time because we want a coach who can navigate the terrain we are in, so we will be going scientific, using AI tools to fill in the vacant post,” he pointed out.
A number of names have been linked to the TelOne coaching job with Luke Masomere and Wilson Mtekede emerging as strong contenders for the post.
However, it is understood that around 15 coaches have applied for the coaching job at the Gweru side.
Mkhuphali Masuku, Rodwell Dhlakama, Saul Chaminuka, Paul Chimalizeni and Mark Mathe are all reported to have expressed interest in the job.
In Zimbabwe we rotate coaches like underwear. Is Ndiraya going to survive the season at Chicken and Chips? Benjani at Bosso? Mapeza isn’t doing well at Scottland. Mashiri has already left Manica Diamonds. I don’t see Chitembwe lasting the season at Triangle. Why do we not see that weaknesses in our football lie in the quality of coaches we have? We continue to do the same things over and over and expect different results? They say that’s the height of stupidity.