Wenslus Murape
Zimpapers Sports Hub
WHEN it mattered most, TelOne FC rose to the occasion and managed to preserve their top-flight status, thanks largely to a balanced mixture of experience and youth.
In the end, the Midlands-based side avoided the demons of 2019, when they were relegated from the Premier Soccer League in their debut season.
TelOne FC finished 10th on the 2024 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League table, six points clear of the relegation zone.
Five clean sheets in their last seven games of the season were crucial in their survival bid. And their goalie, Chris Mverechena, was one of the main actors in this survival series.
The former CAPS United shot stopper was duly named TelOne FC’s Player of the Season at a function held in Gweru on Friday last week.
Eria Mafirenyika, who might have thought his career was over when Mushowani Stars were relegated in 2019, was the Players’ Player of the Year, while ex-Ngezi Platinum Stars man Marvin Kwinjo was the club’s Most Disciplined Player.
Mverechena says he wants to leave a lasting legacy at TelOne FC and he believes the club has the potential to become one of the best in the league.
“To be honest, I am very happy; this is good for my career but I have to stay humble and focused so that I get more accolades” said the 28-year-old keeper.
“However, I must hasten to say this was a team effort. As the senior guys, our job was to motivate the other boys.”
Mverechena has no plans of leaving the Midlands-based side.
“If I am to leave, maybe it will be because the club asked me to leave,” said the former Triangle United keeper.
“But I want to end my career here because I owe this club. TelOne are very reliable employers, very accountable and they give you what they promise you. The future is very bright.”
TelOne coach Herbert “Jompano” Maruwa paid tribute to Mverechena.
“We played as a team and the good thing is we achieved our target, which was to survive the chop.
“In that journey, there were some players who played crucial roles and I must salute Chris (Mverechena) for saving us in a number of games,” he said.
TelOne FC started the season with Tendai Chikuni in charge, but the soft-spoken gaffer was replaced by Maruwa in May, after an indifferent start to the season.
Maruwa then went on to grind some notable results, including the 6-1 thrashing of Bikita Minerals at Ascot Stadium on September 25.
That was their biggest win of the season.
In total, TelOne had nine clean sheets, but four of those came in their last five matches.
“We rose to the occasion when it mattered most,” said Maruwa.
The former Dynamos gaffer has won the heart of TelOne FC president Oscar Nduwure, who is looking forward to 2025 with optimism.
“TelOne FC struggled in some stages of the 2024 season, but we saw a notable improvement in the team’s overall performance, with some outstanding wins and impressive comebacks after changing the technical team,” said Nduwure.
“Our players demonstrated exceptional skill, dedication and teamwork, making us proud to be part of the TelOne FC family.”
TelOne FC had a mixture of players, some well-travelled and others with youthful exuberance.
Veterans Xolisani Moyo, Trust Nyabinde and Mverechena led a cast that included Leo Hofisi, Blessing Sibanda, Admire Dzumbunu, Blessing Sahondo, Eria Mafirenyika and Lloyd Gwerina.
Allan Chapinduka, who was named the 2024 Castle Lager’s Most Promising Player of the Year, is a bright prospect.
Marvin Kwinjo, Washington Navaya, Jaison Kudzai, Fredrick Muza and Hugh Chikosa were also part of the team.
“As we look to the 2025 season, we are excited to build on our progress and push ourselves to even greater heights,” said Nduwure.
“We will continue to invest in our youth development programmes, strengthen our squad and work tirelessly to bring success to our loyal fans.”
daniel chigunwe
