TelOne FC have cut ties with head coach Herbert “Jompano” Maruwa following a disastrous start to the 2026 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season, sources confirmed.

Maruwa’s departure comes after nine league games without a win. 

The Wi-Fi Boys have lost six matches and drawn three, leaving them 16th on the log with three points — only above Agama FC and Manica Diamonds. 

The final blow came on Saturday when TelOne slumped to a 1-0 home defeat to Herentals College at Ascot Stadium — their fifth straight loss at home this season. They have also lost at home to Dynamos, Simba Bhora, Scottland, and Chicken Inn, with a sixth defeat coming away to CAPS United at Rufaro. Their only points have come from draws against MWOS FC, FC Platinum and ZPC Kariba.

Speaking after the Herentals loss, a sombre Maruwa admitted the situation was out of his hands. “So again, it’s tough luck. We tried our best to compete in the game. But we failed to find the equaliser. Like I have been saying, maybe for the past seven games, we have conceded between 35 to 45 minutes. That’s where we are not concentrating. It’s easier if we work with the mental strength of the players. We’ll get it right. The main thing is that I don’t have control.”

TelOne FC are yet to issue an official press release confirming Maruwa’s exit, but multiple outlets report the decision has been made. Club president Oscah Nduwure acknowledged supporter frustration after Saturday’s protest calling for Maruwa’s dismissal. “The fans have every right to protest and express their dissatisfaction with the results like they did on Saturday. 

We are equally concerned and worried at the same time by the results because it tarnishes our brand to be posting such poor results. However, we have not made any decision on parting ways with the coach contrary to rumours circulating about us engaging certain coaches, those remain rumours.”

Despite the public backing, sources say the TelOne executive discussed parting ways in a recent meeting, with concerns that a lack of quality replacements had delayed action. Veteran coach Luke Masomere and former ZIFA technical director Wilson Mtekede are among names linked to the job.

Charles Mutero, Maruwa’s first assistant, is holding fort on an interim basis. TelOne face Triangle United at Gibbo Stadium on Sunday. 

The club has retained the rest of the technical team, including Jacob Muzokomba, Jimmy Tigere, and Ndege Matsika.

Maruwa took charge in May 2024 and guided TelOne to a historic fifth-place finish last season — their best ever PSL campaign.

 The 2026 season has unraveled following the departure of 2025 Soccer Star of the Year and Golden Boot winner Washington Navaya, who scored 17 goals before joining Hardrock.