While Herbert “Jompano” Maruwa’s slow start to the season has largely escaped intense media scrutiny bolstered by a patient board and a sympathetic fanbase TelOne FC’s winless run after four rounds is beginning to ring alarm bells.
Following a brilliant campaign last year where he guided the Gweru-based "WiFi Boys" to a top-five finish, Maruwa entered the new season with high expectations. Before their opening fixture against Dynamos, he spoke openly about his desire to raise the bar. However, reality has proven far more difficult, with the team currently struggling to find their rhythm.
The contrast between TelOne’s home and away performances is stark. Surprisingly, their home ground, Ascot Stadium, has become a fruitful hunting ground for visitors. TelOne have suffered back-to-back defeats there TelOne 1–2 Dynamos ane TelOne 0–1 Simba Bhora
Conversely, the side has shown admirable grit on the road, securing hard-fought draws in difficult territory against MWOS (1–1) and most recently in the Midlands Derby against FC Platinum (2–2). In today's clash, the WiFi Boys twice came from behind to salvage a point, bringing their total to a modest two points from a possible twelve.
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Despite the departure of last season’s Soccer Star and Golden Boot winner, Washington Navaya, to Hardrock FC, TelOne’s attack remains potent. The strike force has found the net four times in four matches.
The primary concern lies at the back. Maruwa himself acknowledged that "soft goals" are undermining their efforts. While supporters showed their continued backing by greeting the former Black Rhinos and Dynamos manager after the draw with FC Platinum, the tactical focus must now shift to the backline.
"I am impressed with the point picked up away from home, but the home form and the nature of the goals we are conceding are concerns we must address." Said Maruwa
The goodwill from the executive and the fans provides Maruwa with a necessary cushion, but that patience is not infinite. TelOne clearly possesses the attacking spark and the resilience to climb the table, but the "project" risks stalling unless they can transform Ascot Stadium back into a fortress and tighten a porous defence.
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