PSL 2017 SEASON: THE BIG KICK-OFF

. Fungai Muderere
FINALLY, the wait is over!

The Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) champions Caps United start the defence of their league title with an away fixture to PSL returnees Shabanie Mine at Zvishavaneaï¿½ï¿½sAï¿½ Mandava Stadium on Sunday.

Makepekepe are still basking in the glory of knocking out Africaaï¿½ï¿½s five-time Caf Champions TP Mazembe in the continentaï¿½ï¿½s lucrative inter club competition. This they coupled with beating Highlanders 3-2 after a penalty lottery in the ZNA Commanderaï¿½ï¿½s Charities Shield final match at Barbourfields Stadium last Sunday.

The match had ended nil-all in regulation time.

Bosso will start their campaign with a derby match against the Mandla aï¿½?Luluaï¿½? Mpofu-mentored Bulawayo City at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday.

Mpofu, who was recently appointed interim senior national team assistant coach, reckoned it would be a tough match for his charges.

aï¿½?Any club would have not wanted to face PSL giants this early. Bosso are a big club with a big history. They are naturally challenging for the honours and there is no way we could have avoided them. Itaï¿½ï¿½s game on Sunday. We will give them a good game,aï¿½? said Mpofu.

Chicken Inn, who are the 2015 league champions, will have a date with Bantu Rovers who also make a return to the countryaï¿½ï¿½s elite football league after years of unsuccessful campaigns in the Southern Region Division One League.

The match is scheduled for Saturday at Luveve Stadium.

Our from aï¿½?Zhwane to Venda landaï¿½? story finally became a reality as Tsholotsho FC are set to entertain new look Hwange at their newly found home Dulivhadzimu Stadium on Saturday in the border town of Beitbridge.

Hwange recently welcomed back their head coach Nation Dube who had his suspension from all football related matters lifted by Zifa. Dube, a former Chipangano and Warriors assistant coach was suspended over allegations of match fixing.

Kelvin Kainduaï¿½ï¿½s How Mine will make the long trip to Kariba to square it off against ZPC Kariba who are still under the tutelage ofAï¿½ Sunday Chidzambwa.

Ascot Stadium in Gweru will be the venue for the game between PSL seasoned campaigners Chapungu and Triangle who now boast of the services of ex-Hwange defender Tonisani Sibelo and Stephen Alimenda.

Harare City will on Saturday play host to aï¿½?anointedaï¿½? debutants Yadah FC at the giant National Sports Stadium while Ngezi Platinum do battle against Black Rhinos at Mhondoroaï¿½ï¿½s Baobab Stadium.

Former champions Dynamos will fight it out against free spending FC Platinum also at the National Sports Stadium on Sunday.

Rufaro Stadium, which happens to be DeMbareaï¿½ï¿½s favourite hunting ground, is having a facelift.

Week One Fixtures

Saturday

Harare City v Yadah FC (National Sports Stadium), ZPC Kariba vAï¿½ How Mine ( Nyamhunga Stadium) , Ngezi Platinum FC vAï¿½ Black RhinosAï¿½ (Baobab Stadium), Chapungu vTriangle United ( Ascot Stadium), Bantu Rovers vAï¿½ Chicken Inn (Luveve Stadium) , Tsholotsho FCvAï¿½ Hwange FC (Dulivhadzimu Stadium )

Sunday

DynamosAï¿½ v FC Platinum (National Sports Stadium), Shabanie Mine v
Caps UnitedAï¿½ (Maglas Stadium), Highlanders v Bulawayo City (Barbourfields Stadium)