Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THIS afternoon could reshape the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) title race.
New beginnings, title ambitions, revenge missions and survival battles all take centre stage as another pivotal chapter of the season unfolds across the country.
At Rufaro, Dynamos begin a new chapter with Romanian UEFA Pro licence holder Aristica Cioaba finally cleared to take charge as technical director when they host struggling AGAMA.
In Kwekwe, second-placed Hardrock face third-placed CAPS United in the afternoon’s biggest title showdown.
Highlanders continue their climb against defending champions Simba Bhora, while Herentals seek an immediate response after last week’s setback.
Cioaba’s first assignment comes with expectation already building among the Dynamos faithful.
His arrival also signals the beginning of changes at a club looking to revive its campaign after an inconsistent first half of the season.
Dynamos will, however, have to wait a little longer before unveiling their new signings as registration formalities are still being completed.
Zimpapers Sports Hub understands Callum English-Brown is among the players expected to be registered in the coming days alongside former Aduana FC defender Daouda Ben Sidibe from Burkina Faso, while Nigeria Under-20 player Desmond Ojietifian has arrived for trials.
“We are finalising the incoming signings and registration will be completed early next week. Everything is well in order for the new players to resume duty in the coming week,” Dynamos said.
“The good thing is that the technical director is now cleared and will take charge of his first league game tomorrow (today). This is something that inspires confidence in the team and our fans.”
The arrivals are expected to trigger a clear-out as Dynamos reshape their squad for the second half of the campaign.
Dynamos go into today’s match seventh on the table with 31 points, while AGAMA occupy 16th position with16 points. While Dynamos usher in a new era at Rufaro, attention will also shift to Chahwanda where Hardrock and CAPS United square off in the afternoon’s biggest title contest.
Hardrock welcome CAPS United in what will be the league newcomers’ final home match before serving a one-match PSL ban that will deny them the backing of their supporters.
Hardrock sit second with 38 points, four ahead of CAPS in third.
Both sides have mixed outstanding performances, with costly slip-ups, making today’s meeting another opportunity to strengthen their title ambitions.
The transfer window has only reinforced those ambitions.
Hardrock have strengthened with Warriors striker Prince Dube, Warriors defender Gerald Takwara and Malawian right-back McDonald Rameck.
CAPS responded by signing veteran goalkeeper Washington Arubi, Botswana international Victor James, Precious Phiri and Uchizi Vunga.
Hardrock will also be chasing revenge after suffering their first defeat of the season, a 2-0 loss to CAPS at Rufaro in the reverse fixture through goals from Ishmael Wadi and Allen Mukombedzi.
“We are all out looking for maximum points. The race is now tight and every team wants to win, whether they are fighting relegation, the championship or trying to finish in a respectable position,” CAPS coach Takesure Chiragwi said.
“Here it will be two sides both aiming for the top prize, so it will not be easy and we need to put our best foot forward. Some new signings from both camps could make their debuts, so it will be unpredictable.”
In Bulawayo, an in-form Highlanders side welcome defending champions Simba Bhora, who arrive nursing a surprise 2-1 defeat to TelOne at Wadzanayi.
Bosso are chasing another victory after beating MWOS 2-1 at Ngoni to continue their climb up the standings, although history favours Simba. The two clubs have met seven times, with Simba winning three, Highlanders once while the other three matches ended in draws.
Triangle entertain Herentals at Gibbo where the Students will be determined to bounce back after last week’s 1-0 defeat to AGAMA.
At Sakubva, struggling Manica Diamonds host ZPC Kariba after a difficult week that followed their 5-0 defeat to Scottland.
The defeat was followed by players refusing to train over unpaid salaries, leaving the Eastern Highlands side searching for a response.
By the end of the afternoon, the title race could wear a different look altogether, while others may find themselves with even less room for error as the second half of the campaign gathers momentum.
One thing is certain: Teams are awaiting another defining day.
