Chronicle Editor
Fungai Muderere, [email protected]
AFTER taking a one-weekend sabbatical, the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League action will bounce back this weekend with two blockbuster ties set for Sunday in Bulawayo and Harare.
The league reached its halfway mark after 17 rounds of play and Saturday will mark the start of the second half of the season, which comes at a time when the second transfer window has opened.
The second transfer-window opened on July 1 and it will close on July 31 and local football enthusiasts are waiting with bated breath for the names of players that will join or leave the PSL clubs.
All eyes will be in Harare at Rufaro Stadium where the country’s two biggest teams Dynamos and Highlanders clash for the second time in the league this season.
In the opening match of the 2024 PSL season, Bosso beat their bitter rivals 2-1 at Barbourfields Stadium back in March.
As the league action bounces back, chaos has reportedly continued to stalk the Glamour Boys after their players refused to train yesterday morning citing outstanding bonuses.
Some players are reportedly yet to receive their signing-on fees for the season while others received part payments.
The players are said to be struggling to raise transport money to travel from their respective areas to the Central Business District (CBD) where they are picked up by the team bus.
A few days ago, some DeMbare players were rescued by Scotland FC president, Pedzai “Scott” Sakupwanya, who reportedly forked out US$300 for bus fare.
But, Dynamos chairman, Moses Maunganidze, has claimed that there is no crisis at the club.
However, players are said to be bitter with the way their welfare is being handled at Dynamos.
It is clear, morale is at its lowest ebb as some players are angling for moves away from DeMbare
Players who have featured in all of Dynamos’ 17 matches in the first half of the season are owed about US$1 050 in outstanding bonuses.
DeMbare pays US$100 for a win, an amount that rises to US$200 when they play against the top sides like Highlanders, CAPS United, FC Platinum and Ngezi Platinum Stars.
The Harare giants pay US$50 for a draw, which goes up to US$100 against the top sides.
They recorded wins against Bikita Minerals, TelOne, Chegutu Pirates, Arenel Movers and Green Fuel, which amounts to US$500 per player.
Dynamos have nine draws, including stalemates against giants CAPS United and Ngezi Platinum Stars, which adds up to US$550 per player.
Cumulatively, the players are owed US$1 050.
However, despite all the hullabaloo, DeMbare will be hoping for a better result in their own backyard at Rufaro this time around but preparations for the Sunday match have been shambolic as the club management appears clueless.
In Bulawayo, Chicken Inn, who are perched on position eight with 23 points will welcome CAPS United at Luveve Stadium.
“It’s the second half of the season and we begin it with a tricky tie against unpredictable CAPS United. They are a team made up of experienced players and with a good technical team. We will need to start the second half of the season on a high note. Yes, we beat them in the first half but this is now a different ball altogether. We need to work hard at training,” said Gamecocks gaffer Joey Antipas
Makepekepe are on number nine on the log standings and have 22 points from 17 games. —@FungaiMuderere.
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