Fans cheer unexpected return of local football, but coaches scramble to regroup

JUBILATION filled the air as news broke — the Premier Soccer League (PSL) is back next weekend! The abrupt return, however, throws a curveball at coaches who had planned for a three-week break.

The hiatus began on June 1 to accommodate the national team’s World Cup qualifiers and the Cosafa tournament. While the qualifiers went ahead, the Cosafa’s postponement left a gap in the schedule. The PSL, seizing the opportunity, announced the resumption of league games on June 15.

This sudden shift leaves coaches scrambling. Pre-season training schedules meticulously crafted for the break are now obsolete. Concerns like player fitness are at the forefront, with Arenel coach Farai Tawachera expressing his worries about potential decline.

“I had given my players off, we have to manage the load because at this moment it’s all about how an individual handled themselves during the off days. In terms of planning we are affected, but we have to react to the situation. We just hope the players have been responsible and they will be able to adjust to the situation,” said Tawachera.

Joey Antipas, coach of Chicken Inn, expressed concern that the sudden resumption disrupts their preparations for the upcoming match.
“We had given our players a seven-day break. The team returned to training on Thursday so in terms of fitness I think we will not be far off the mark. For planning purposes, we are greatly affected because we now have to change the programme and hopefully the boys will be able to adjust quickly. The first thing is to try and have these boys focused on the next game,” said Antipas.

Bulawayo Chiefs coach Thulani Sibanda believes that his players may still be match-fit and all that needs to be done is to prepare them mentally. However, he also believes that the earlier return affects their planning.

“In terms of planning, it is disturbing, but I feel we have not lost much in terms of fitness. We just need to psyche these boys then in terms of fitness, we have a balance between load and recovery. The boys were doing well before the break and I hope they will take it from there when we regroup,” said Sibanda.

The unexpected return next weekend brings a slate of exciting fixtures, including a highly anticipated clash between defending champions Ngezi Platinum Stars and Chicken Inn at Baobab Stadium. It’s a top-of-the-table clash. Both teams will be eager to solidify their positions in the title race.
Coach Genesis Mangombe’s job security might hang in the balance when Dynamos host ZPC Kariba. Can they bounce back after a turbulent period?
Barbourfields Stadium will be buzzing as Highlanders welcome Bikita Minerals.

Hwange travel to Chisumbanje to face their former manager, Rodwell Dhlakama, who now leads Greenfuel.Manica Diamonds currently sit atop the table with 29 points, but FC Platinum are hot on their heels with a tricky away fixture against Bulawayo Chiefs. Simba Bhora and Highlanders complete the top four, while Dynamos find themselves 10 points adrift.

At the other end of the table, TelOne, Chegutu Pirates, Arenel and Hwange are locked in a tight battle to avoid relegation. Hwange, with only one win in 14 matches, sits at the bottom with just eight points.

Week 15 fixtures
June 15: Yadah v Manica Diamonds (Heart Stadium), Bulawayo Chiefs v FC Platinum (Luveve), Simba Bhora v Arenel (Wadzanai), Ngezi Platinum Stars v Chicken Inn (Baobab).

June 16: Hwange v Greenfuel (Colliery), Highlanders v Bikita Minerals (Barbourfields), Dynamos v ZPC Kariba (Rufaro), TelOne v CAPS United (Bata), Chegutu Pirates v Herentals (Baobab)–@innocentskizoe