Chronicle Editor
Innocent Kurira , Sports Reporter
PREMIER Soccer League (PSL) governors and their clubs’ heads of secretariat converged on Bulawayo over the past two days for an induction and season planning seminar.
Only Bikita Minerals had no representation as PSL are still to receive their promotion confirmation from Zifa. Bikita Minerals were promoted to the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League ahead of Tenax following a boardroom decision.
The Bikita-based side were awarded three points after winning their case against Grayham, who fielded an ineligible player.
The decision ensured Bikita Minerals overtook Tenax on points to win the Eastern Region Division One championship.
However, PSL said Zifa is still to confirm the club’s status to play in the topflight league. Just like last season, the meeting held at a local hotel also included the review of the strategic plan. PSL communications officer Kudzai Bare shed light on the purpose of the meeting.
“So, the workshop was for all the PSL clubs including the recently promoted teams. It was more like an induction for the newly promoted teams. We have clubs that were already in the league to emphasise on areas that we are supposed to look at and work on in the upcoming season. So we looked at it as a review of the challenges and highlights of the 2023 season as well as the areas we need to work on to continue to improve our brand,” said Bare.
She added: “We touched on issues to do with marketing, fan engagement because it is important to make sure fans are involved. We also looked at issues to do with club licensing. We have realised that most of our problems emanate from us not fully implementing it. It’s important for our clubs to have offices, proper junior structures. It’s important for clubs to run as professional businesses so that clubs can attract sponsors so that clubs are well developed,” said Bare.
She said the 2024 season is expected to kick off on 24 February. The first round of matches will be preceded by the Castle Challenge Cup match between league champions Ngezi Platinum Stars and Chibuku Super Cup winners Dynamos at Baobab Stadium a week earlier.
The domestic top-flight normally starts in March. The adjusted 2024 calendar has also prompted Premiership sides to expeditiously wrap up their transfer deals before embarking on the gruelling season. – @innocentskizoe.
Bongani Ndlovu