Online Reporter
Howard Musonza
Head – Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWEAN Premier Soccer League clubs are on the brink of a rare financial boost as FIFA rolls out a record breaking Club Benefits Programme (CBP) for the 2026 World Cup.
For the first time, FIFA will pay clubs directly not only for players who make the final tournament, but also for those released for the qualifiers that are still under way.
A total of US$355 million has been set aside for clubs worldwide, an almost 70 percent jump from the previous World Cup cycle that disbursed US$209 million among 440 clubs. Zimbabwe, who still have two qualifiers to play against South Africa and Lesotho before year end, stand to benefit through the growing number of locally based players featuring in the Warriors squad.
The programme, part of FIFA’s agreement with the European Club Association, is designed to be fast and transparent. Payments will go straight to the clubs because all players are already registered in FIFA’s Connect system. There will be no detours through national associations, a major plus for teams that often wait months for dues.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino hailed the plan as a landmark step, saying it “recognises financially the huge contribution that so many clubs and their players around the world make to the staging of both the qualifiers and the final tournament.”
For Zimbabwe’s financially stretched PSL teams, the initiative could not have come at a better time. Premier Soccer League chairman and Simba Bhora boss Isaiah Mupfurutsa called it “a welcome development in the sense that any dollar counts and it matters a lot when it comes to improving the financial status and welfare of the players and staff. So any dollar that comes towards the club or even towards the players is well appreciated and it will also cover something that we will not be able to cover without that dollar.”
Simba Bhora, the reigning champions and current log leaders, have particular reason to celebrate. Their 22-year-old defender Isheunesu Mauchi has been a constant feature in the national team since the qualifiers began.
Mupfurutsa said the call ups prove local talent can match foreign based stars. “It will also be a motivation for clubs to look at recruiting talent that will compete for national team places. Apart from the money, it’s about the motivation it brings. If we continue on this trajectory, we will see more players being called to the national team from our local league.”
He added that the programme strengthens the case for serious youth development. “This business of buying players is not sustainable. Clubs need to develop their own talent, like what used to happen with Dynamos, CAPS United and Highlanders. Youth structures leave a lasting legacy and even create export value, like Bill Antonio’s move to Belgium.”
Harare giants Dynamos, whose right back Emmanuel Jalai has also featured in the qualifiers, see the FIFA payout as both a financial cushion and a morale booster. Club chairman Moses Maunganidze said: “This is exciting. It’s unprecedented, it has never happened at FIFA to go this way and I’m excited as Dynamos that we seconded Emmanuel Jalai. These funds will go a long way in not only opening our bank accounts but also motivating the players.”
Maunganidze believes the ripple effects will be felt throughout the league. “It really ignites a shift in the approach in terms of the kind of quality that we need to sort around and make sure that they compete at the PSL level. A stronger PSL will mean a stronger national team in terms of the pool where the national coaches can actually select from.”
The Warriors have already called up a healthy list of locally based players during this qualifying campaign, from Simba Bhora’s Mauchi and Scottland’s Khama Billiat and Walter Musona to Dynamos’ Jalai and goalkeeper Martin Mapisa, now at MWOS. With more qualifiers coming, the payout could rise as more call ups are made.
For cash strapped clubs, even a modest slice of FIFA’s US$355 million can be a game changer covering salaries, improving training facilities, or revamping youth structures.
Mupfurutsa said the PSL itself will also push for stronger youth pathways. “During my election campaign and in the manifesto I shared with stakeholders, I emphasised the need for junior teams and youth players. It’s one of the key pillars in club licensing and we’re going to insist on it. This is the only way to ensure continuity and sustainability in our league.”
Details of how much each club will receive and the registration process will follow in due course, but FIFA has guaranteed that all qualifying clubs will be paid once their players are confirmed in the Connect system. The Warriors still have two key games to play in the qualifiers, giving local teams more chances to strengthen their claim.
For clubs like Simba Bhora and Dynamos, the FIFA payout is more than a windfall. It’s a chance to invest in players who can lift both their teams and the national game. As Maunganidze put it, “When this happens, it means that a stronger PSL will mean a stronger national team.”
With millions of dollars up for grabs, the message to Zimbabwe’s clubs is clear, develop and back local talent, and global football will pay you for it.
