Thabe plays down PSL fixture jam

Rodwell Thabe

Curtworth Masango

Zimpapers Sports Hub

THE Premier Soccer League have played down concerns over a 2026 fixture congestion as clubs prepare to juggle between league and two knockout commitments in a rare busy season for the domestic game.

After years of just two competitions for the elite league, Premiership clubs are this year, having to battle for honours in the lucrative ZIFA Munhumutapa Challenge Cup.

Prior to the unveiling of the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup, the top clubs were only expected in the league and Chibuku Super Cup fixtures.

PSL clubs entered the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup at the Round of 32 stage over the Heroes and Defence Forces Day weekend.

Before they return to league duties, the elite clubs will now shift their attention to the Chibuku Super Cup, whose first round, programme, bursts into life tomorrow when treble-chasing log leaders Scottland host 2014 and 2021 tournament winners FC Platinum at Rufaro.

The other first round games are pencilled in for across the country on Saturday and Sunday.

Defending champions Dynamos begin their quest for an unprecedented fourth consecutive title against a TelOne side now coached by former DeMbare assistant Joel Luphahla at Rufaro on Sunday.

The Chibuku Super Cup programme, coupled with the Castle Lager Premiership and the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup matches, has raised some concerns over the physical burden on players and the limited recovery time between matches.

Scottland face an even heavier workload as they must also accommodate their CAF Champions League commitments in the event that they proceed beyond the first two preliminary round stages.

However, PSL chief executive, Rodwell Thabe has poured cold water on the fears and believes the current workload remains manageable and has rightfully challenged clubs to adjust to the demands of the professional game and competing on several fronts.

“There has been discussion about a congested fixture calendar but we believe more football is good for the domestic game,” said Thabe.

“Compared with other leagues across Africa, we still play a reasonable number of cup competitions, with some countries staging more than we do.

“We must embrace the challenges that come with additional cup matches because they bring more excitement, greater engagement with supporters and stakeholders and increased financial rewards for our clubs.”

Thabe acknowledged that the additional competitions would complicate scheduling but insisted the benefits outweighed the challenges.

“There are drawbacks regarding fixture scheduling and congestion, but the current workload remains manageable,” he said.

“Clubs are competing in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League, the Munhumutapa Cup and the traditional Chibuku Super Cup.”

The PSL boss said the growth in cup competitions reflected the progress being made by domestic football and invited more corporate partners to invest in the game.

“We are pleased with the competitions currently available, but the space remains open to other corporate partners who may want to invest in football,” said Thabe.

“As a football community, we are making positive strides. Attendances are rising and the product is being packaged well. On behalf of the clubs, we are grateful and happy with the direction the game is taking.”

For clubs still challenging for league honours, the packed programme will test squad depth, player recovery and tactical management.

It will also prepare local players for more demanding professional leagues where matches are played after three days.

Chibuku First Round fixtures:

Tomorrow:

Scottland v FC Platinum (Rufaro)

Saturday:

MWOS v AGAMA (Ngoni)

CAPS United v Simba Bhora (Rufaro)

Ngezi Platinum Stars v ZPC Kariba (Baobab)

Sunday:

Dynamos v TelOne (Rufaro)

Highlanders v Chicken Inn (Barbourfields)