Week 15 of drama, heartbreak, 21 goals

Fungai Muderere, Zimpapers Sports Hub

WEEK 15 of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) exploded with 21 goals across nine fixtures, pushing the season’s cumulative tally to 222 after 135 matches, but it was Highlanders’ dramatic 3-2 home defeat to Simba Bhora that sent shockwaves through the league.

The entertaining round came on the back of a two week Fifa international break, during which Zimbabwe’s senior men’s national team, the Warriors, played two friendlies in Morocco, losing 2-0 to Burkina Faso before salvaging a 1-1 draw against Niger. Meanwhile, a home based Warriors squad participated in the 2025 Cosafa Cup in South Africa, where they bowed out with pride after a 3-1 victory over Mozambique. That followed a goalless draw against Mauritius and a 2-0 loss to hosts South Africa.

Back in domestic action, fans were treated to thrilling encounters, none more gripping than the clash at Barbourfields Stadium, where Highlanders fell to a fired up Simba Bhora side.

In front of their vocal home support, Bosso once again flattered to deceive, slumping to a third loss in five winless outings. Simba Bhora struck first in the 13th minute when Isakar Guribab curled a beauty past Raphael Pitisi from outside the box. Bosso responded in the 22nd minute as Melikhaya Ncube nodded home a well placed cross from Prince Ndlovu.

However, a defensive lapse allowed Emmanuel Ziocha to slot home his first of the day before the half-hour mark, giving the visitors a 2-1 advantage at the break. Despite Simba Bhora being reduced to 10 men in stoppage time, Tinotenda Meke seeing red, they maintained composure.

Highlanders equalised in the 80th minute through ex-Bulawayo Chiefs forward Never Rauzhi, who pounced on a scramble in the box. But it was Ziocha who had the final say, lashing home a booming volley to complete his brace and seal a stunning away win, ending any hopes of a Bosso revival.

Former champions FC Platinum were the weekend’s top scorers, hammering ZPC Kariba 4-0 at Mandava Stadium in Zvishavane. That commanding victory boosted their momentum in the title race and underlined their offensive firepower.

Elsewhere, three matches ended in stalemates, Bikita Minerals 1-1 Dynamos, Ngezi Platinum Stars 1-1 Manica Diamonds, and Triangle United 2-2 MWOS, while six teams suffered defeats: Chicken Inn, ZPC Kariba, Herentals, GreenFuel, Kwekwe United and Highlanders.

CAPS United edged Chicken Inn 1-0, Yadah picked up a narrow win over Herentals, and TelOne handed Greenfuel another defeat. Scottland continued their solid run with a 1-0 win over Kwekwe United, and Simba Bhora’s statement victory at Emagumeni capped off the goal-filled weekend.

Notably, compared to the same point last season, the league had already seen 237 goals from 126 games, 15 more goals in nine fewer matches than this term. With scoring momentum returning after the international hiatus, the PSL appears poised for an exciting second half campaign.