TelOne FC Targets Top-Four Finish in 2026, Says Not Fazed by Dynamos in Season Opener

Gweru - TelOne FC Coach, Herbert Maruwa and Captain, Frank Makarati, say the team is physically and mentally ready for the 2026 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) ahead of their season opener against Dynamos on Saturday.

The two were speaking during interviews at Ascot Stadium in Gweru on Wednesday in preparation for the weekend showdown.

The WiFi Boys are coming off a fifth-place finish in the 2025 season and have set their sights on climbing higher in the standings this year.

"So far, so good. In terms of preparations, I'm very, very happy with the way we did our pre-season. As you never know, we are returning to the unknown," Maruwa said.

"It's our first game. We don't know if its going to work or not? But basically, as a coach, I'm happy with the way we prepared ourselves," he said for the season.

Maruwa highlighted the need for mental preparation against a storied opponent like Dynamos, who recently suffered a 5-0 defeat to Scottland FC but remain a formidable side.

Head Coach, Herbert Maruwa 

"Yeah, Dynamos is Dynamos. They always rise as a big club. They're not looking much the way they played against Highlanders and against Scottland, it's a new game altogether.

"We need to make sure we prepare ourselves mentally," Coach Maruwa said.

On the loss of 2025  Top Goal Scorer and PSL Soccer Star of the Year, Washington Navaya, Maruwa said the team is premised on collective effort over individual reliance.

"Yeah, Washy (Washington) did very well for us in terms of scoring goals and I'm happy for him. He managed to be top goal scorer and soccer star as well.

"We don't rely on individualism, we rely on teamwork. So anyone can step into his shoes and hit even more goals," Maruwa said.

"We just need to improve as a team. Last year we finished No. 5, so basically this year we need to improve," he said.

On the players' side, team Captain Makarati, detailed the pre-season process and the integration of new signings.

"We began our preseason training in January, we have new guys in the team, so for the past six weeks we have been trying some combinations. So far, the combinations are now good," Makarati said.

"Our new players, we have welcomed them. We went for a training camp in Bulawayo where we were doing a team building, which actually helped us to bond with the new players," the Captain added.

Captain, Frank Makarati

He stressed the importance of respecting Dynamos despite their recent form.

"So, facing Dynamos first game, from our side as TelOne, we are just aiming for a win. We know Dynamos is a big team and is not a team that you get to the field underestimating, so we are ready for anything," Makarati said.

"Dynamos is always Dynamos, they can rise to the occasion any time. So, I told some of my guys that Saturday is not going to be an easy game, it's always like that, but we are ready mentally.

On the season targets Makarati said, "our target is just to do better than what we did last year. We just want to do better, meaning above No. 5 last year, so this year its 4, 3, 2 or 1."

The match against Dynamos is scheduled for Saturday, marking the start of TelOne's 2026 season campaign as they seek to build on recent progress under Maruwa's leadership.

Appointed TelOne FC head coach in mid-May 2024 amid a challenging start, Maruwa's guidance for the remainder of the campaign saw TelOne stabilize and climb slightly, finishing the season in 10th position out of 18 teams.

This marked a modest improvement from their early-season struggles but highlighted areas for growth, particularly in converting draws into wins which saw them ending the 2025 campaign as one of the top teams to beat.

TelOne FC Coach and Captain Interviews