Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
WHEN the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season kicks off this weekend, it will mark TelOne’s third consecutive campaign in the top flight and their fourth overall.
The WiFi Boys have grown into one of the most stable and competitive sides in the league. Last season, they briefly emerged as surprise contenders for the championship before fading in the closing stages to finish fifth.
TelOne are undoubtedly on an upward trajectory under the guidance of Hebert Jompano Maruwa, who joined the Midlands-based outfit in mid 2024. But their rise has been shadowed by a persistent blemish.
In all their previous three seasons, the WiFi Boys have never won an opening day fixture.
They drew their maiden Premiership match 0-0 against Herentals in 2019 before being relegated the same year. On their return in 2024, they surrendered a two goal lead to draw 2-2 with ZPC Kariba at Nyamhunga Stadium. Last season, they again failed to start strongly, losing 2-1 to Herentals on matchday one.
For a side expected to be among this year’s title challengers, Maruwa is determined to break the jinx when his players host Dynamos at Ascot Stadium on Saturday. It will also be the first time TelOne begin a season at home.
“It is always sweet to win in front of that home crowd. 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,” said Maruwa.
TelOne captain Frank Makarati said the players are energised and eager for the showdown against DeMbare.
A former Dynamos captain himself, Makarati agreed with his coach that a home win would be the ideal launch to their campaign.
“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.
