TelOne seek to end PSL Match-day one jinx

Onward Gangata

Zimpapers Sports Hub

WHEN the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season kicks-off this weekend, it will mark TelOne’s third straight season in the top-flight, and their fourth overall.

The Wi-fi boys who will begin their 2026 campaign with a clash against Dynamos on Saturday, have become one of the most stable and formidable sides in the league.

Last season, they even emerged as one of the dark horses for the league title before fizzling out towards the business end of the season to finish in fifth place.

TelOne are undoubtedly on the ascendancy under the guidance of Hebert “Jompano” Maruwa, who arrived at the Midlands-based side in mid- 2024.

But there is a dark side to the telecoms side’s meteoric rise in the top-flight.

In all their previous three seasons, the Wi-Fi Boys are yet to register victory on the opening day of the season.

They drew their maiden league match in the league, nil all against Herentals in 2019 before being relegated the same season.

Upon their return to the top-flight in 2024, the Wi-Fi boys threw away a two-goal lead on the opening day to draw 2-2 against ZPC Kariba at Nyamhunga Stadium.

They lost 2-1 to Herentals in last season’s opening match.

For a team expected to be among the title challengers, Maruwa is targeting victory when his side hosts Dynamos at Ascot on Saturday. This will also be the first time TelOne have started the season at home.

“It is always sweet to win in front of the home crowd,” said Maruwa.

“But playing Dynamos is never easy especially when they are wounded like this, you do not know which Dynamos turns up.

“But we are ready for them, we want to build on the strong finish we had last year and set the tone for the season.”

TelOne captain, Frank Makarati, said the players are enthused and ready for the showdown against DeMbare.

A former Dynamos player and captain himself, Makarati concurred with his coach that a win at home will be a perfect start to the season.

“We know what is expected of us when we face Dynamos, from our side as players we want to start with a win considering that we are at home.

“As players we are geared, last season we finished fifth, without doubt we have to do better than last year, that is the expectation from all of us,” he said.