Online Reporter
Curtworth Masango
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Dynamos and Scottland rescheduled match set for Wednesday next week could blow the Castle Lager Premiership race wide open.
It might also reduce the contest to a two-horse race.
Yesterday PSL confirmed the fixture, along with Highlanders versus Chicken Inn, with both games set for the same day. Scottland, who are top of the Premiership with 53 points, missed their game when they played Kaizer Chiefs in the Toyota Cup instead.
Second-placed Hardrock are just two points behind on 51 but have played a game more than Scottland.
DeMbare will have reason to fight as they still have an outside chance in the race, with 45 points from 25 games.
Herentals are fourth on 45 points as well, but with an inferior goal difference.
But before the Dynamos and Scottland showdown, the teams will however first play in the Chibuku Super Cup over the weekend. The Chibuku Super Cup programme, Munhumutapa Challenge Cup and league matches have however raised concerns over the physical burden on players and the limited recovery time between matches.
Scottland face an even heavier workload as they must also accommodate their CAF Champions League commitments.
PSL chief executive Rodwell Thabe believes the current workload remains manageable and has challenged clubs to adjust to the demands of competing on several fronts.
“There has been discussion about a congested fixture calendar, but we believe more football is good for the domestic game,” said Thabe. “Compared with other leagues across Africa, we still play a reasonable number of cup competitions, with some countries staging more than we do.
“We must embrace the challenges that come with additional cup matches because they bring more excitement, greater engagement with supporters and stakeholders, and increased financial rewards for our clubs.”
Thabe acknowledged that the additional competitions would complicate scheduling but insisted the benefits outweighed the challenges. “There are drawbacks regarding fixture scheduling and congestion, but the current workload remains manageable,” he said.
“Clubs are competing in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League, the Munhumutapa Cup and the traditional Chibuku Super Cup.” The PSL boss said the growth in cup competitions reflected the progress being made by domestic football and invited more corporate partners to invest in the game.
“We are pleased with the competitions currently available, but the space remains open to other corporate partners who may want to invest in football,” said Thabe.
“As a football community, we are making positive strides. Attendances are rising and the product is being packaged well. On behalf of the clubs, we are grateful and happy with the direction the game is taking.”
For clubs still challenging for league honours, the packed programme will test squad depth, player recovery and tactical management.
