TELONE will not stop fighting for the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title despite slipping seven points behind leaders Simba Bhora, says coach Herbert Maruwa.
The Gweru-based side missed the chance to close the gap on the defending champions on Saturday, surrendering a lead late on to lose 2-1 to Ngezi Platinum Stars.
This defeat came just before Joel Luphahla’s Simba Bhora drew 1-1 with Manica Diamonds the following day.
Maruwa’s men will hope to bounce back when they host Manica Diamonds on Saturday.
Despite last week’s damaging defeat that saw them dropping to sixth place on the log standings, a defiant Maruwa is not giving up on the chase for a historic championship title.
“We just need to make sure we remain focused,” he said.
The ambitious coach recently declared that his team is gunning for the championship and feels that the weekend defeat, which came after a streak of good results, was just a minor setback.
With 11 games still to play before the season ends, he believes there is everything to play for.
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“It’s (defeat) part of the game,” Maruwa said.
“We still have more than 30 points to play for.
“So the race is still on. We just need to make sure that we bring back the confidence of the guys.”
TelOne looked to be cruising to a crucial victory in Mhondoro after Panashe Mutasa’s exquisite volley in the 75th minute.
However, they then went to sleep late on, allowing two quick-fire goals from Kudzai Chigwida and young Nesbert Muzenda to turn the game on its head.
The sting of that late collapse will undoubtedly fuel TelOne’s desire for redemption.
They have a formidable home record this season, having lost only once at their Ascot fortress.
This statistic bodes well for their upcoming clash against Manica Diamonds.
The visitors are currently embroiled in a relegation battle and have not tasted victory in their last 10 outings, presenting TelOne with an ideal opportunity to bounce back and reignite their title aspirations.
The road ahead is challenging, but Maruwa’s men are far from waving the white flag.
The championship dream, though tested, remains alive, sustained by an unyielding spirit and the promise of more than 30 points still to play for.
The WiFi Boys are determined to prove that their recent slip was merely a temporary disconnection, not a permanent loss of signal in their quest for glory.
Matchday 24 fixtures
Saturday: TelOne v Manica Diamonds (Ascot), Simba Bhora v Chicken Inn (Wadzanayi), Dynamos v MWOS (Rufaro), ZPC Kariba v Green Fuel (Nyamhunga), FC Platinum v Scottland (Mandava), Yadah v Triangle (Heart)
Sunday: Herentals v Kwekwe United (Rufaro), Bikita Minerals v Caps United (Gibbo), Highlanders v Ngezi Platinum Stars (Barbourfields)
