PSL set for key indaba ahead of new season

Eddie Chikamhi

Senior Sports Reporter

THE Premier Soccer League governors are set to gather in Harare tomorrow to lay the benchmarks for the upcoming 2023 Castle Lager Premiership season.

The league’s spokesperson Kudzai Bare yesterday told The Herald that representatives from all the 18 domestic topflight clubs are expected to attend the meeting, which traditionally sets the tone for the new campaign.

The much anticipated kick-off is set for tomorrow as newboys Simba Bhora host four-time champions FC Platinum at the National Sports Stadium.

But before the two teams proceed to the giant stadium, the football leadership have to meet first and make resolutions, which include the confirmation of Simba Bhora and the other promoted teams GreenFuel, Sheasham and returnees Hwange, as members of the league.

Bare said the football leadership are set to discuss various items to pave the way for a smooth marathon that is expected to run until November/December.

“Our AGM is on this Friday and that is the platform where we are going to look mainly at our plans for the 2023 season. So the agenda is going to be broad.

“We are going to focus on many things to do with the management of competitions and Club Licensing as well, to make sure the season runs smoothly.

“There is also going to be a review of the previous 2021-2022 season with particular attention to the challenges that we faced and how we can address them before the new season kicks in.

“As a rule, we are also going to welcome the newly-promoted clubs at the meeting. Remember they only get to become full members after the AGM.”

The clubs are also likely to discuss the issue of poor attendance faced last season, gate charges and the impending stadium challenge after only six were approved for the opening rounds of matches.

The National Sports Stadium, Baobab, Barbourfields, Gibbo, Luveve and Mandava will be used for the games, with hopes high that the number will increase in the next few weeks.

Most of the grounds that had been proposed by the clubs to be their home grounds either failed to meet the minimum requirements or, as in the case of the PSL newcomers like Simba, Sheasham and GreenFuel, are yet to reach completion.

Vengere stadium in Rusape and Gweru’s Ascot have since been written off for this season while there is hope for Sakubva Stadium in Mutare, ZPC Kariba’s Nyamhunga, the GreenFuel Arena in Chisumbanje, Simba Bhora’s Wadzanai stadium in Shamva, the Colliery Stadium in Hwange and Bata Power Stadium in Gweru that is being renovated by newboys Sheasham.

Harare City Council have also started renovations at Rufaro Stadium and giants Dynamos, who had been yearning to play their home games at the Mbare venue, are keeping their fingers crossed.

The availability of Rufaro this season will help ease the fixture congestion. Currently there are more than six teams in Harare that will be jostling for space at the one venue – the National Sports Stadium.

Nevertheless, the PSL are anticipating a bright season following the success of the season-opening Castle Challenge Cup between FC Platinum and Bulawayo Chiefs at Mandava last weekend. “We are ready for the start of the season,” said Bare.

“Clubs have been working very hard during the season. We have had workshops with them and other stakeholders as well.

“We held our season-opener last weekend when FC Platinum and Bulawayo Chiefs played in the Castle Challenge Cup final. I think the game gave a bright indication for the 2023 season. The quality of the game was good and the attendance as well.

“But we are looking for continuous improvement all round this season.”

The PSL are desperate to lure the domestic football fans to the stadium. The spectators will also get to know how much they will fork out to watch the games this year after the AGM tomorrow.

“All these issues were also looked at during the induction workshops earlier this year. We looked at how we can improve attendance and the issue of gate charges. Some of the resolutions will be thrashed at the AGM.

“We have also been encouraging clubs to do their part to boost the stadium attendance. They need to market their brands vigorously and also come up with initiatives to attract spectators.

“Gate charges for the 2023 season will be agreed upon at the AGM and an announcement will be made to that effect,” said Bare.