Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda, Zimpapers Sports Hub
NEW Premier Soccer League (PSL) chairman Isaiah Mupfurutsa has credited Dynamos for launching his top-flight administrative journey and says he’s now ready to lead with unity and purpose.
Elected in a tightly contested vote at a Harare hotel, Mpfurutsa edged Masimba Chihowa of Manica Diamonds 10–8 in the second round, succeeding outgoing CAPS United president Farai Jere.
“I came into the PSL in 2018, and I’d like to thank Dynamos, particularly Bernard Marriot, who brought me in,” said Mupfurutsa. “And Simba Bhora, especially Simba Ndoro, for keeping me in the league.”
Now chairman of Simba Bhora, Mupfurutsa guided the Shamva-based club to their maiden league title in 2024 —just their second season in the top flight.
His first-round support came from clubs including Simba Bhora, Highlanders, Yadah, and ZPC Kariba. Chihowa was backed by Manica Diamonds, Green Fuel, and CAPS United, while other votes went to Leonard Musariri and Dumisani Sisale. Highlanders ran unopposed for the vice-chairmanship.
“The governors have spoken. They’ve given their trust to me, which is also a heavy load because I now carry the expectations of all stakeholders,” he said. “We need the quietest PSL — not in terms of inactivity, but in terms of peace, unity, and harmony.”
Mupfurutsa will serve a four-year term and sit on the Zifa board. He emphasised continuity with targeted improvements: “We’ll build on what’s already there. Where improvement is needed, we’ll improve. Where innovation is needed, we’ll innovate.”
Top of his agenda is securing more sponsorship to complement Delta Beverages, the league’s main financial backer. But for now, his message is clear: “Unity first, delivery next.”
Congratulations Mr Mupfurutsa. But before you start your duties at PSL, I am lobbying against PSL relegation this year. I believe the four teams at the bottom of the log should be given a chance to prove themselves against the four third placed and four second placed teams in the regional championships. I believe we should try an expanded twenty two team league for 2026. Even if it means making the PSL season a bit longer. I also believe that there are so many good teams in the Southern, Northern, Eastern and Central Championships, who may finish second or third in their respective zones, but actually good enough for the premier league. Let them prove themselves in a knockout tourney against the relegation candidates. With more stadiums being built and the opportunity for night matches and midweek games, I do not see why we should not expand our league and play more competitive games. Besides we will just be adding six matches for each club in a season, but but reducing the pressure that is building in the lower leagues. Whenever too much pressure builds more cheating results. However, it seems three of the four promoted teams were better prepared for life in the top league. On the other hand, most of the regulars were caught off guard and did not know what hit them. A one season reprieve will be enough for them to be better prepared.