Premiership season kickoff uncertain

IT’S now almost certain the start of the 2024 Premier Soccer League (PSL) season is set to be delayed as the Eastern Region Division One promotion saga rages on.

The league season was initially meant to start with a clash between Dynamos and Ngezi Platinum Stars in the Castle Challenge Cup on February 17 at Baobab Stadium.

A week later, the league season proper was set to get underway but all those plans are hanging in the balance.

Bikita Minerals were promoted to the topflight league ahead of Tenax following a boardroom decision by the Eastern Region Division One leadership.

The Bikita-based side were awarded three points after winning their case against Grayham, who fielded an ineligible player in a Division One League match last season.

The decision resulted in Bikita Minerals overtaking Tenax on points to win the Eastern Region Division One Championship.

Tenax have since taken the matter further and the Zifa Normalisation Committee is yet to make a decision on the issue.

The hearing which is set for February 16, a day before the season opener, has been postponed twice.

The PSL now risks pushing forward the start of the season as the issue remains unsolved.

“We are still waiting for the Zifa Normalisation Committee decision on who gets promoted in the Eastern Region. This is why the fixture has not been released. For planning purposes we need to know which teams will be playing in the league,” said PSL communications officer Kudzayi Bare.

Zifa Eastern Region chairman Davison Muchena said: “There is not much we can say besides that all submissions have been made and we await February 16 hearing.”

Bikita Minerals have been preparing for their maiden dance in the topflight league with veteran coach Saul Chaminuka set to be the club’s new head coach.

‘Zimpapers Sports Hub ‘understands that the club last month shortlisted Herbert Maruwa, Chaminuka and Joseph Takaringofa and finally settled for Chaminuka.

Bikita Minerals are targeting to survive relegation at the end of their debut season and they are pushing for the completion of their home stadium, Lithium, which is under renovations. – @innocentskizoe.