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Zimpapers Sports Hub
FRESH from posting a fine 2-0 away victory over struggling Castle Lager Premier Soccer League giants Highlanders, resurgent TelOne are looking to make it back-to-back wins over Bulawayo sides when they host inconsistent Chicken Inn at Ascot on Saturday.
TelOne have previously publicly declared their intention to challenge for the championship.
But a mid-season slump saw the Midlands outfit slip out of the top four.
The WI-FI Boys currently sit sixth on the log standings with 40 points after the Matchday 25 round of fixtures.
Due to the slump they endured, TelOne are now trailing leaders Simba Bhora by 10 points.
Each match is now a critical test of their title credentials and as they look to welcome the Gamecocks coach Hebert “Jompano’’ Maruwa and his men are aware that games will not come any easier now.
Chicken Inn, champions in 2015, have been underwhelming this season.
They sit just a place above the relegation zone with 27 points.
More worryingly for veteran coach Joey “Mafero’’ Antipas is that should they come out of Ascot empty handed, Chicken Inn could slide into the drop zone.
This is because only goal difference separates them with the two teams below them — 15th-placed GreenFuel and Manica Diamonds who are 16th.
Ailing Dynamos who are 17th, have also closed the gap between the Gamecocks and them to five points in a period when the relegation battles have intensified.
Thus Saturday’s match in Gweru presents two sides with different ambitions — hosts pushing for the pinnacle against visitors desperate to fight for survival.
TelOne gaffer Maruwa is hopeful their win over Bosso may give his side just the impetus they needed as they look to focus on the league without any Chibuku Super Cup distractions.
They were sent tumbling out of the Chibuku Super Cup by Bikita Minerals.
“The three points we secured are a boost but now we must remain focused.
“This result should propel us to work even harder, both mentally and physically, to maintain our position at the top,’’ Maruwa said.
Maruwa believes there is enough experience in his squad to remain consistent and stop dropping points.
“We have the experience in this squad to be consistent and stop dropping points, especially at this critical stage of the season.
“Unity is key, we all must push in one direction.
“We are under no illusions about our next opponents; they are a seasoned team with a seasoned coach.
“They are not pushovers. They are fighting for their lives and we must match that intensity,’’ Maruwa said.
Online Reporter