TelOne gambles on Saul Chaminuka, faces skepticism

Following Herbert Maruwa’s sacking, TelOne FC has taken a huge leap of faith, appointing the enigmatic Saul Chaminuka to turn their fortunes around, but the decision has been met with skepticism in Gweru, with many seeing it as a recipe for more disaster.

Chaminuka’s last five stints in the PSL – at Black Rhinos, Bikita Minerals, GreenFuel, and Kwekwe United – were disastrous. On paper, he has little to show, no championship medals, and hasn’t completed a full season at a club in recent memory.

The Gweru-based club picked the former Warriors assistant coach over Luke Masomere, Mukuphali Masuku, and Thulani Sibanda, who were also considered after Maruwa’s sacking.

Chaminuka is expected to arrive in Gweru on Tuesday. He will be assisted by his trusted lieutenant, Philemon Mutyakureva.

Barring any changes, Chaminuka’s first assignment will be against Hardrock FC in the Midlands Derby at Ascot Stadium on Saturday. Hardrock are on a high after their 6-1 win over FC Hunters on Matchday 10.

TelOne are fresh from their 2-1 win over Triangle United last weekend and will be hoping to keep their fine form and record their first home win.

Interestingly, Chaminuka’s enigmatic journey has been characterised by unpaid dues and contentious management styles.

When he joined Black Rhinos midway through the 2023 season, they were on the brink, and their surge came too late; they were relegated on the final day.

He then joined Bikita Minerals, newly promoted and ambitious, but within three months, unpaid salaries and broken promises led to player walkouts, and Chaminuka left.

In May 2024, he resurfaced at GreenFuel, replacing Rodwell Dhlakama, but the stint was fruitless, and he was fired while the Chisumbanje-based side was later relegated.

Most recently, at Kwekwe United, he stayed for less than three months in a tenure marred by player boycotts and unpaid salaries.

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