Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
TELONE coach Herbert “Jompano” Maruwa says the WiFi Boys will not fold despite losing top-scorer Washington Navaya.
He insists his side still have enough bite to hurt teams in the 2026 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season.
Navaya’s exit has left a loud gap in Gweru after the 27-year-old walked away as the Soccer Star of the Year and Golden Boot winner.
He scored 17 goals during the 2025 campaign.
He has since joined Hardrock.
“Yes, of course, Navaya was a key player, his goals were important and we will miss him,” Maruwa told Zimpapers Sports Hub.
“But, the club will go ahead and produce other good players who can compete.
“We keep on pushing, at the same time afford unheralded players a chance to shine.”
The club have already started patching up the holes with experience and options.
Former Harare City and Yadah striker Jerry Chipangura is in, looking to reboot a career that has gone quiet in recent seasons.
He arrives knowing the pressure that comes with replacing a man who scored 17.
Maruwa has also brought in respected midfielder Innocent “Nhoko” Mucheneka, Chelsea Nyakope, and former Triangle United goalkeeper Takudzwa Chikosi as TelOne step up their pre-season training in the Midlands capital.
It’s a recruitment drive built around balance, not just another striker.
Nyakope is one of the names that will interest observers.
The midfielder was one of the bright spots at relegated Bikita Minerals last season, and TelOne believe his legs and control can give them a different tempo in the middle, especially in games where Navaya’s goals used to settle nerves.
Another major boost is the continued availability of versatile forward Tawanda Macheke, who quietly built numbers that mattered in 2025. He finished with seven goals and 10 assists, and TelOne will lean on his movement and creativity as they reshape the attack without their top scorer.
The WiFi Boys have also kept key senior heads in the room, with defender Frank Makarati and winger Leeroy Murape choosing to stay in Gweru.
Mathew Masinge