TelOne’s decision to appoint Saul Chaminuka after parting ways with Herbert Maruwa could prove to be one of the biggest mistakes of their 2026 Premier Soccer League campaign.
With the club struggling for results, the WiFi Boys turned to Chaminuka in the hope that his experience would help steer them away from relegation. However, the move failed to produce the desired turnaround, with TelOne now staring at the possibility of returning to the lower division.
Chaminuka has built a reputation as a coach capable of guiding teams towards promotion. What remains questionable, however, is his record when it comes to rescuing teams from relegation trouble.
His recent coaching history paints a worrying picture. Since 2024, Chaminuka has coached five teams across three seasons. In 2024, he worked with Bikita Minerals and Green Fuel before taking charge of Kwekwe United and Dynamos in 2025. His latest assignment was with TelOne in 2026.
Of those clubs, only Dynamos currently appear to have a realistic chance of maintaining their place in the top flight, while Bikita Minerals, Green Fuel and Kwekwe United have already fallen out of the PSL picture. TelOne are now fighting for their survival.
Chaminuka’s departure has also raised questions about decision-making at TelOne, particularly the decision to appoint him after Maruwa’s exit.
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Perhaps if another club provides Chaminuka with another opportunity before the end of the year, it would continue a remarkable pattern that has seen him take charge of two clubs in a season since 2024.
But while Chaminuka’s future remains uncertain, TelOne have already moved quickly to appoint Joel Luphahla as they attempt to save their top-flight status.
Luphahla’s appointment comes with considerable risk. Despite enjoying a promising spell at Simba Bhora in 2025, his stock took a knock following his departure from FC Platinum after a difficult run of results.
Now, with only eight matches remaining, Luphahla has accepted perhaps the toughest assignment of his coaching career.
His first task will be a daunting one, with TelOne scheduled to face Dynamos in the Chibuku Super Cup at Rufaro Stadium on Sunday before embarking on the remaining eight league matches of the campaign.
TelOne currently sit 16th on the 18-team PSL table with 20 points, leaving them deep in the relegation battle.
Luphahla therefore has little room for error. A successful rescue mission would enhance his reputation as a coach capable of thriving under pressure, but failure to keep TelOne in the top flight could further complicate his coaching CV.
For TelOne, the mathematics are simple: eight games remain, and survival is the only objective.
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