WITH
Martin Muleya
Several Castle Lager Premier Soccer League coaches are on shaky ground following poor performances at the start of the 2026 season.
a) Manica Diamonds FC’s Tafadzwa Mashiri
-Mashiri took over the Gem Boys as interim coach after Jairos Tapera’s suspension on a one-year contract for the 2026 season. He is a certified CAF A instructor with experience coaching the Zimbabwe Under 17 team and serving as an assistant coach at Triangle United and Harare City FC. Mashiri led Manica Diamonds to the Chibuku Super Cup championship and has a plan to revitalize the Gem Boys’ fortunes.
-under intense pressure, Mashiri’s boys are rooted at the bottom with a massive five defeats and one draw and remain the only team yet to score a goal in six matches. Mashiri may have to look at strengthening his attack, given that his team has failed to score.
-Manica Diamonds is expected to make significant changes, including appointing a new substantive coach. Tafadzwa Mashiri had been appointed on a one-year contract. So far they lost goalkeeper Tedious Baye and striker Charles Teguru, but defender Ask Rupande has committed to the club.
b) TelOne Fc’s Herbert Maruwa
-Maruwa also known as Jompano has endured a difficult start to the 2026 season with TelOne, recording three draws and three defeats. This comes as a surprise after guiding the team to a respectable fifth- place finish last season. TelOne are yet to register a win, leaving them in 15th position within the relegation zone. The club made significant signings, including Jerry Chipangura, Innocent Mucheneka and Takudzwa Chikosi. Maruwa’s team aim to improve their defense and challenge for a top-four finish.
c) FC Hunters’ Nesbert Saruchera
-Saruchera known as Yabo, has struggled to make his presence felt with the newly promoted side. FC Hunters are still searching for their first win, with four draws and two defeats placing them 14th on the log table, just three points above bottom-placed Manica Diamonds FC. The team is looking at strengthening their squad after a challenging start to the season. No specific signings or departures have been announced so far.
d) Agama Football Club’s Mark Mathe
Mathe finds himself in a similar situation as Manica Diamonds, sitting second from bottom after a massive five losses and one draw. The only difference between them and Manica Diamonds is that Agama have managed to score three goals so far. Agama earned promotion to the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) last year under coach Paul Chimalizeni.
e) Bulawayo Chiefs Football Club’s John Nyikadzino
Pressure is mounting on Nyikadzino, with one win, two draws and three defeats. Chiefs who were relegated in 2024, will be eager to avoid a similar fate and continued dropping of points could see Nyikadzino’s coaching position coming under serious threat. The team has made five new signings including Kelly Shiandidi, Melikhaya Ncube and Brian Muza, as they look to consolidate their place in the top flight.
Despite a tough start for Manica Diamonds, Tafadzwa Mashiri’s experience and knowledge of the club might just be enough to save his job, at least for now. Manica Diamonds’ chairman Masimba Chihowa has expressed confidence in Mashiri, citing his understanding of the club’s culture. Mathe’s struggles are evident and Agama’s poor performance might lead to coaching changes soon. FC Hunters’ struggles are not uncommon, but Saruchera will need to turn things around quickly to keep his job. John Nyikadzino’s experience is crucial in guiding Bulawayo Chiefs through this tough patch but results need to improve soon. Herbert Maruwa’s previous successes might give him some breathing room, but the Wifi Boys’ struggles demand immediate improvement.
