Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere
THE Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) 2025 season will kick-off on Friday (today) with a fixture between Mutare-based Manica Diamonds and Yadah Stars at Sakubva Stadium.
Under the guidance of seasoned Jairos Tapera, the Gem Boys have been on a rebuilding exercise that saw them snatch the services of Lawrence Mhlanga and Rainsome Pavari from former champions FC Platinum.
Besides roping in the experienced duo, Manica Diamonds lost the services of their former skipper Liberty Chakoroma who is now with defending champions Simba Bhora
Yadah Stars parted ways with Warriors poster boy Khama Billiat who is now in the books of moneybags Scottland.
“It will be our first game of the season and we should make sure we get it right. We have been working on our player combinations and we believe we will compete well,” said Manica Diamonds head coach Jairos Tapera.
Champions Simba Bhora will start their campaign against FC Platinum on Matchday One while Bulawayo football giants Highlanders will face MWOS, who replaced ZPC Hwange after buying their franchise.
Dynamos and CAPS will play ZPC Kariba and Greenfuel, respectively on MatchDay One.
Chicken Inn will have a home tie against Bikita Minerals at Luveve Stadium.
Other notable fixtures in the opening round include Scottland FC vs Triangle United and Kwekwe United vs Ngezi Platinum.
Scottland FC, who will be under the tutelage of ex Simba Bhora head coach Tonderai Ndiraya, are fresh from their pre-season camp in that was held in Zambia.
“It is not going to be easy but we are aiming high. Our pre-0sewasaon camp in Zambia was an eye opener and it’s now all systems go,” said Ndiraya.
The first instalment of Battle of the City between Highlanders, at home, and CAPS United will come early on Matchday Six, with the Harare Derby between Dynamos as hosts and CAPS United following on Matchday 12.
The Battle of Zimbabwe between Dynamos and Highlanders will come on Matchday 14 with the Glamour Boys hosting the first leg.
Meanwhile, the 2025 season officially started on February 22 with the Castle Challenge Cup those saw Dynamos get the better of Shamva based Simba Bhora.
Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Match Day One Fixtures
Friday, February 28, 2025
Scottland vs Triangle (Rufaro Stadium)
Saturday, March 1 2025
Herentals College vs TelOne (Rufaro Stadium), Simba Bhora vs FC Platinum (Wadzanayi Stadium), Manica Diamonds vs Yadah (Sakubva Stadium), Chicken Inn vs Bikita Minerals (Luveve Stadium), Kwekwe United vs Ngezi Platinum Stars (Bata Stadium), Greenfuel vs CAPS United (Greenfuel Arena)
Sunday, March 2 2025
Dynamos vs ZPC Kariba (Rufaro Stadium), MWOS vs Highlanders (Baobab Stadium)
