Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo-Zimpapers Sports Hub
TOP-FLIGHT coaches are expecting a tough challenge from each other, but they are eager to get going in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League 2026 season that gets underway early next month.
Most of the coaches in charge of the top-flight teams are currently undergoing a CAF A Refresher Course, which was organised by ZIFA.
ZIFA technical director and a CAF-certified instructor, Dominique Niyonzima is presiding over the course.
And the top coaches have praised ZIFA for bringing the course, more than five years after the last one was conducted by the late technical guru Nelson Matongorere.
And they are hoping the refresher training will be the vitamins they will need to boost competitiveness in the league this year.
Scottland coach Norman Mapeza, who is one of the 14 mentors to shift clubs in a busy transfer period hailed the ZIFA initiative and predicted an exciting season.
“It’s (ZIFA CAF A Refresher Course) very important. I think the last time we had a Refresher course was when the late Matongorere (Nelson) was still alive,” said Mapeza.
“We had a good time. Now we have got the Technical Director from Burundi.
“You know, it’s all about sharing ideas, myself, and the rest of the guys who are around here.
“It has opened our minds as we are moving towards the beginning of the 2026 season.”
Mapeza is fresh from his pre-season tour with the Premiership champions in South Africa where he also got a chance to assess his team in a friendly game against Eswatini giants Nzingizini Wanderers.
His side will open the season with a Castle Challenge final against Chibuku Super Cup winners Dynamos on March 1 at Rufaro.
Speaking about the anticipated season excitement, the former FC Platinum coach said:
“Look, I think you guys have been talking about it. I think it’s going to be an interesting season.
“If you look at the transfers and the movement of coaches, it’s going to be a very, very difficult season. You know, it’s a difficult season, I think,’’ Mapeza said.
Herentals College, as they always do, haven’t been too busy in the market, instead promoting young talent from their feeder clubs ahead of the season.
Their coach Paul Benza said: “We believe in continuity. I think this will be one of the most exciting seasons in years given what’s taking place in the market. And this Refresher Course has added to the excitement.”
Zambian coach Kelvin Kaindu was unbeaten at Dynamos as he helped the Glamour Boys protect their Premiership status last season.
He has jumped ship to join newcomers Hard Rock whom he is expected to lead to glory this season given the massive investment the club chiefs have poured into the project.
“This is going to be a competitive season looking at how teams have done their business. We have seen a number of teams going outside the country for their pre-season,” said Kaindu.
“That shows that there will be pretty much a lot of competition. We have also seen a number of players making transfers and we have also seen a number of coaches moving. That shows that most teams now want to compete. It’s also good that this makes the nation have good competition.”
Former champions Simba Bhora have also changed their technical staff with Mandla “Lulu” Mpofu now leading the Shamva club. He has been with the team in their pre-season tour in Gaborone, Botswana and he is happy with how the charges are adjusting to his philosophy.
Mpofu is among the top coaches who are back in class.
“I am happy with the progress we have made so far as Simba Bhora. I am aware of all the movements taking place everywhere involving coaches and players but we are ready for competition,” said Mpofu.
“Almost all my signings are here, and we travelled with them to Botswana. I am happy with what I have seen.”
Ngezi Platinum’s Kumbirai Mutiwekuziva, who has been elevated to replace Takesure Chiragwi who is now with CAPS United said continuity will likely help his club’s cause while also predicting an exciting season.
Nesbert “Yabo” Saruchera now leads newcomers FC Hunters and has been keeping a low profile.
He still carries the heartbreak that saw him failing to clip promotion into the PSL right on the final day of the marathon after leading the Northern Region Soccer League standings for almost the entire season last year. But he is now a happy man knowing he can play his role in disrupting the order in the top-flight.
“We have got a decent team. Things are progressing very well.
“We are going to compete, and we have youngsters who will be playing in the top-flight for the first time but I am sure they will punch well,’’ Saruchera said.
Malawi coach Kailsto Pasuwa, Lloyd Mutasa of MWOS, Chicken Inn’s new coach Tonderai Ndiraya, Klifton Kadurira and Jairos Tapera are among the coaches in attendance.
