Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
The Premier Soccer League clubs are today expected to come up with a new strategic plan to guide the organisation’s operations for the next four years.
Representatives from the 18 clubs and other key stakeholders gathered in Harare yesterday for a two-day strategic planning workshop to map the way forward for the 2026-2029 seasons.
The deliberations went according to plan on the first day as the stakeholders began by reviewing the strategic plan of 2022-2025, which they hope to replace with a more refined blueprint to usher domestic football into the future.
“Today we touched on many things, but mainly it was a review of the strategy of the years 2022 to 2025; the vision and the values to see if they are still relevant going forward,” said PSL spokesperson Kudzai Bare.
“We reviewed the competitions and the financial performance of the league during that period and also looked at the economic outlook for 2026-2029 to guide our plan and activities.
“Tomorrow (today) we will look at marketing and communication. Then after reviewing all the areas, we will come up with a new strategy for 2026-2029.”
The workshop brings together club executives, the PSL leadership, ZIFA, PSL partners and sponsors, media representatives and other football stakeholders to review the league’s progress, address challenges and develop a shared roadmap for the growth of football.
Bare was pleased by the attendance on the first day. Newly-promoted sides, Hunters, Hardrock, Agama and Premiership returnees Bulawayo Chiefs were part of the indaba.
“The attendance was good. We had all 18 Premier Soccer League clubs represented plus the four new clubs that were promoted recently.
“We were also honoured to have representatives from ZIFA, our sponsors Delta Beverages, and the supporters and we look forward to the Sports and Recreation Commission joining us on day two,” said Bare.
The strategic workshop comes ahead of a scheduled virtual extraordinary general meeting of the PSL governors this Wednesday.
The meeting will discuss the proposal by ZIFA to increase the number of PSL teams from 18 to 20 as well as the establishment of a National First Division league.
“Pursuant to our mandate to develop, organise, and regulate football across all levels in the country, ZIFA wishes to formally propose the increase in the number of teams participating in the Premier Soccer League from 18 to 20, effective from the 2026 season,” ZIFA wrote to PSL recently.
“This proposal is informed by the following key considerations and justifications,” said ZIFA in their correspondence.
“1. Alignment with international best practice:
A 20-team league structure is widely adopted by leading football leagues globally and provides a more comprehensive competition calendar aligned with the FIFA calendar year.
“2. Enhanced competitive balance and opportunities
Expanding the league will create more opportunities for clubs from various regions to participate at the highest level, thereby promoting inclusivity, talent identification and balanced regional representation.”
