PSL take another break

The league first took a break on June 2 to allow the Warriors to fulfill their commitments in the World Cup, African qualifiers, before the domestic matches resumed with Round 14 matches on June 19.

But after just five league matches since the restart, the games have been shelved once more for two weeks.
According to the provisional arrangement, the league was set to stage the semi-final matches for the BancABC Sup8r Cup his weekend with Dynamos playing Shabanie while Monoz engaged FC Platinum in a double-header clash at Barbourfields.

Harare giants Dynamos booked their berth in the last four after beating Buffaloes 2-0 while Monoz had overcome Motor Action 1-0.
Shabanie Mine beat Chicken Inn 2-0 as FC Platinum knocked out Highlanders after a penalty shoot-out.

PSL chief executive, Kenny Ndebele, yesterday revealed that they have put the semi-finals on ice and will only come up with a new date next month.
“We have decided to postpone all the programmes for this weekend. So there are no Cup or league matches for the teams.

“Matches will resume on August 3 but we are not yet sure if we should play league or Cup games,” said Ndebele.
Ndebele said they have decided to shelve the games to allow the Warriors’ participation in the African Nations Championships first round qualifier against Mauritius this weekend.

The Warriors, who are just returning from the Cosafa Castle Cup tournament in Zambia, are expected to leave for Port Louis on Thursday.
It’s likely that Ian Gorowa will lead the team to the CHAN first round first leg, with plans for him to take over from Germany mentor Klaus Dieter Pagels who is set to return for his native.

With the nation also focusing on the national elections on July 31, Ndebele said matches have also been suspended during the period of the watershed plebiscite.
“The break will cover the period for the national elections and the return leg for the CHAN,” said Ndebele.

When the matches resume, the Castle Lager Premiership is likely to be faced with a heavily congested fixture programme where they have to clear the remaining 12 matches while accommodating the BancABC Sup8r matches and the Mbada Diamonds Cup games.

Harare City currently lead the table with 37 points while Highlanders are in second place on 34 points and Dynamos are third on 32 points.
Teams in the league are expected to play friendlies to keep in shape during the two-week break.