Premiership fixtures out . . . await Zifa confirmation on Southern Region slot

THE Premier Soccer League (PSL) is still awaiting confirmation from Zifa on which team will fill the Southern Region slot in the top-flight league following the strategic partnership between ZPC Hwange, which won the region’s ticket, and MWOS, who will now take over the slot.

Highlanders who kick off their campaign with the “mystery” team will be relieved to know soon who their opponents are going to be.

PSL communications, Kudzai Bare, spoke to Zimpapers Sports Hub after the release of the 2025 fixture and said they expect the confirmation soon.

“We are still waiting for confirmation from Zifa on the team that will fill that slot, which is why, on the fixtures, you will realise that we just went for Southern Region. We expect to get the confirmation from Zifa soon,” said Bare.

PSL released the fixtures for the 2025 season, though the commencement dates are yet to be announced.

The Castle Challenge Cup between 2024 league champions Simba Bhora and Chibuku Super Cup winners Dynamos will be played at Rufaro Stadium on February 22, leading up to the start of the championship.

The biggest match on the local football calendar, between giants Highlanders and Dynamos, is set for Week 14 in Harare, with the return leg scheduled for week 31.

The first Battle of the Cities between Highlanders and CAPS United will take place early, on Week Six, while the Harare Derby between Dynamos and CAPS United will follow on Week 12.

Highlanders will begin their season away to newly promoted MWOS, who acquired ZPC Hwange’s PSL status.

Dynamos will host ZPC Kariba, while defending champions Simba Bhora face a tricky opener at home to FC Platinum.

Newly promoted Scottland will host Triangle United, while Chicken Inn will entertain Bikita Minerals. Prince Matore’s Kwekwe United side will face Ngezi Platinum Stars at home, and the opening week will conclude with Herentals hosting TelOne. CAPS United will begin their campaign away to Greenfuel, while Manica Diamonds will play host to Yadah.

In the final week, the headline fixture will be a Bulawayo derby between Highlanders and Chicken Inn, while Dynamos will face FC Platinum in the capital.

TelOne will play host to Scottland, and Greenfuel will play Triangle United. Kwekwe United will conclude the season at home to CAPS United, while Ngezi Platinum will visit MWOS.

Manica Diamonds will be home to Bikita Minerals, and Simba Bhora will face Yadah at home.

Herentals will entertain ZPC Kariba.

Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Match Day One fixtures

Simba Bhora v FC Platinum, Dynamos v ZPC Kariba, Manica Diamonds v Yadah, Southern Region v Highlanders, Chicken Inn v Bikita Minerals, Kwekwe United v Ngezi Platinum, Greenfuel v Caps United, Scottland v Triangle, Herentals College v TelOne. — @innocentskizoe.