RACE FOR BUCKS?..PSL now a contest for dollars and glory

Curtworth Masango, Zimpapers Sports Hub

THE Castle Lager Premier Soccer League has kicked off a thrilling new era. Beyond league points, teams are now vying for significant cash rewards, with US$5 250 already disbursed after Matchday 11. This makes the PSL as much a financial contest as it is a pursuit of glory, and Bulawayo’s clubs are strong contenders.

Table-toppers MWOS walked away with US$4 000 for leading at the first stage checkpoint, while TelOne’s in-form striker Washington Navaya pocketed US$1 250 for topping the scoring charts.

While Harare giants Dynamos slide into crisis, Bulawayo’s top clubs are quietly positioning themselves for a title charge — and a potential payday of their own. Highlanders sit in fourth place, just five points off the summit after 11 games, and remain firmly in contention. But it was Chicken Inn who stole the headlines with the comeback of the weekend — a stunning 4-2 win over Kwekwe United after trailing 2-0 at half-time.

Brighton Makopa was the star of the show, netting four goals in the second half to not only secure the three points but also thrust himself into the Golden Boot race. The Gamecocks’ resurgence keeps them just six points off the top, tied on 17 points with TelOne and Herentals.

Makopa’s heroics could yet earn him a mid-season bonus, with PSL incentives set to be awarded again at Matchday 22 and Matchday 34.

The PSL’s cash rewards programme, backed by sponsors Castle Lager, has existed in previous seasons, but this year it’s making headlines. US$4,000 is awarded to the log leader and US$1,250 to the top scorer at three key stages — after Matchday 11, 22 and the final round.

“This isn’t a new policy. But we’ve always had it in place. It’s just getting more attention now as the league tightens and the stakes rise,” said PSL spokesperson Kudzai Bare.

Highlanders’ pursuit continues steadily, but coach Kelvin Kaindu will know that with only five points separating the top seven teams, consistency will be crucial in the next phase of the season.

Navaya leads the scoring charts with eight goals and has already claimed the March and April Player of the Month awards. But Makopa’s four-goal blitz has thrown him into the mix, setting up a thrilling race for the Golden Boot — and more cash prizes.

Elsewhere, Scottland continued their fairy tale run with a 2-0 win over Simba Bhora, keeping them just one point off the top. Former Warriors star Khama Billiat was again instrumental, providing an assist.

In Gweru, the top-of-the-table clash between MWOS and TelOne ended 2-2, with MWOS doing just enough to secure the Stage One cheque.

Meanwhile, the biggest losers of Matchday 11 were Dynamos. Zimbabwe’s most decorated club slipped into the relegation zone after a 2-0 defeat to Triangle at Gibbo. They now sit 16th, with pressure mounting on coach Lloyd Chigowe amid reports of crisis meetings and speculation that Saul Chaminuka could be on his way in.

Kwekwe United were slapped with a US$3 500 fine — US$500 of it suspended — after failing to travel to Harare for their fixture against Herentals. The match was awarded 3-0 in Herentals’ favour.