Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, Zimpapers Sports Hub
HIGHLANDERS and Chicken Inn are set to clash in a decisive Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) encounter at Barbourfields on Sunday, with both sides desperately in need of at least a point to escape the relegation zone.
The Bulawayo derby, always a key fixture on the local football calendar, carries extra weight this season as both teams sit on 38 points, separated only by goal difference.
Chicken Inn coach Joey Antipas acknowledged the unusual and uncomfortable circumstances surrounding the match.
“It’s unfortunate that both teams are in the relegation zone, but that is the way football is. We should not be involved, but it’s a big game because both teams want to survive. Both teams will be going out to get maximum points in football, you don’t go out to play for a draw. We need to play to get maximum points. We cannot wait for Sunday to come,” said Antipas.
Highlanders coach Pieter de Jongh echoed similar sentiments, stressing the importance of finishing the season strongly despite injury concerns. “It’s the last game of the season and we want to finish on a positive note. We have several injuries, but we hope the players will be available on Sunday. We are excited and looking forward to a positive result,” said De Jongh.
Kwekwe United have already been relegated. They could be also joined by Yadah, Green Fuel, Bikita Minerals, Manica Diamonds, Triangle and Dynamos.
At the top end of the table, PSL newcomers Scottland FC have been crowned champions, dethroning last year’s big spenders Simba Bhora.
For the Sunday game, Chicken Inn have adjusted gate charges for Sunday’s blockbuster, anticipating a capacity crowd and citing increased operational costs associated with hosting Highlanders. The club expects the high-demand fixture to be one of its most financially rewarding matches of the season.
Meanwhile, PSL Soccer Stars of the Year selection process will be conducted online by selected panellists before the awards ceremony in Harare.
Scottland FC duo Kevin Moyo and Tymon Machope are among the favourites for selection, alongside Dynamos’ diminutive defender Emmanuel Jalai. TelOne striker Washington Navaya, who has scored 17 goals and recently earned a national team call-up, is also strongly in contention.
Other players expected to feature include Scottland goalkeeper Nelson Chadya and Highlanders defender Andrew “Tower” Mbeba. The reigning Soccer Star of the Year, Walter Musona, endured an inconsistent 2025 season at Scottland.
Fixtures
Saturday: TelOne v Scottland (Ascot Stadium), Mwos v Ngezi Platinum (Ngoni Stadium), Herentals v ZPC Kariba (Rufaro Stadium).
Sunday: Greenfuel v Triangle (Greenfuel Arena), Chicken Inn v Highlanders (Barbourfileds Stadium), Manica Diamonds v Bikita Minerals (Sakubva Stadium), Dynamos v FC Platinum (Rufaro Stadium), Kwekwe United v Caps United (Ascot Stadium).
