Chikuni revels in TelOne’s decent start

TELONE coach Tendai Chikuni wants his side to prove why they were the Central Region champions last season by posting big results in the Premier Soccer League and it looks like the “WI-FI Boys” have done just that on their return to the top flight.

With five goals in two matches, TelOne are the leading scorers after two rounds of the 2024 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season.

After holding ZPC Kariba 2-2 at Nyamhunga in their opening fixture, TelOne shifted gears and dismantled last season’s runners up Manica Diamonds 3-1 at Bata Stadium in Gweru last weekend.

Interestingly, all their five goals have come from different players.

“Everyone can score and goals can come from anywhere,” Chikuni told Zimpapers Sports.

Eriya Mafirenyika, Hilton Makainganwa, Polyster Shoko, Blessing Sibanda and Frankson Bushiri have been on target for the WIFI Boys, who are making a return to the Premiership since 2019.

“If you are a team that was once promoted and got relegated, you need to come up with a new strategy when you find yourself back in the top league again.

“So, we have done our homework and I think we will try our best this time around.

“If you look at our squad, most of our players were with us in Division One last season, we only added a few. “There is continuity,” said Chikuni.

TelOne’s 3-1 victory against Manica Diamonds last weekend was described as a surprise result but Chikuni thinks football is no longer about small or big teams.

“Football is very funny nowadays, it’s no longer about which team you are playing, it’s full of unexpected results,” he said.

“Look at Arenel Movers, they are new side in the top flight league but they are yet to concede a goal in two games against giants Ngezi Platinum Stars and Chicken Inn.

“So, we will keep believing in ourselves,” said Chikuni, whose side has four points out of a possible six.

They sit second on the log standings behind FC going into the Easter Holiday bumper fixtures.

TelOne travel to Green Fuel on Thursday before hosting Highlanders at Bata on Easter Monday.