Online Reporter
Curtworth Masango, Zimpapers Sports Hub
TELONE have quietly drawn a line under survival mode and are now chasing medals after finishing fifth in last season’s Premier Soccer League, the strongest campaign in the club’s short top flight history.
Club president Oscar Nduwere says the days of simply making up the numbers are gone, replaced by a clear expectation to compete at the sharp end of the table in the 2026 season.
“We’ve done a lot of things right over the last two years and now it’s time to see results,” said Nduwere. “Stability and progression aren’t slogans for us anymore. We’re here to challenge.”
That shift in ambition is visible both on-and-off the pitch. Head coach Herbert Maruwa has overseen a demanding pre-season programme built around conditioning, tactical discipline and late match control, an area that cost the Gweru side valuable points last season.
At the same time, Ascot Stadium has received targeted upgrades to meet Premier Soccer League licensing requirements, with the club intent on turning its home ground into a genuine advantage rather than a neutral venue.
Last season’s promising run was undermined by lapses in the closing stages of matches, a weakness the club believes it has addressed in the transfer market. TelOne have added proven top flight experience in Innocent Muchaneka, Jerry Chipangura, Marvelous Chigumira, Tafadzwa Chikosi and Edmore Mawere.
“Our recruitment was deliberate,” said Nduwere. “We wanted balance. We have exciting young players, but we needed men who understand how to manage games, especially in the last 10 minutes.”
The club has not abandoned its youth driven model. Several academy graduates have been promoted to the senior squad, including Calvin Chigara, Tapiwanashe Chivenge and Simbarashe Takaedza, all expected to feature during the season.
“Development is who we are,” Nduwere said. “If you’re good enough, you’re old enough. We’ve already seen it work with Allan Chapinduka, who went on to earn Warriors selection. More young players will get their chance.”
With expectations raised internally, the club’s leadership has also set clear targets for the campaign. Nduwere says the board and technical team expect TelOne to remain competitive throughout the season and stay firmly in the top half of the table.
“This league doesn’t forgive complacency,” he said. “But we believe we have the quality to push for silverware. We want to represent Gweru properly, with consistency and purpose, in every match.”
Beyond the pitch, TelOne continue to lean on key commercial partners, including TelOne and Nyaradzo Group, while actively pursuing additional support from Gweru-based and national sponsors.
“This is about sustainability,” said Nduwere. “Professional operations and strong media visibility make us attractive to partners, and that secures the future of the club.”
He ended with a direct call to supporters to turn Ascot Stadium into a hostile environment for visiting teams.
“We need our people,” he said. “Fill the stands, wear the colours, buy the merchandise and stay engaged. If Ascot is full and loud, it gives us an edge. This season can be special for the Wi Fi Boys.”
Bongani Ndlovu