YOU CAN BRING ON MORE FOREIGNERS, PSL TELL CLUBS

Langton Nyakwenda

Zimpapers Sports Hub

THE Premier Soccer League have raised the foreign player quota to eight players per club ahead of the new season.

The decision is set to reshape squad building across the country and intensify competition for places as clubs accelerate recruitment before the campaign begins.

The increase from five was approved by the PSL Emergency Committee earlier this month after requests from several top clubs including Dynamos, FC Platinum and Chicken Inn.

The change comes as the number of foreign arrivals continues to rise, with clubs strengthening their squads in preparation for the 2026 season and seeking an edge in a more demanding competition.

Dynamos have signed DR Congo midfielder Isaac Landu and Malawian forward Stanley Billiat. FC Platinum have recruited Namibian Mbakodja Tjahikika, Ghanaian Emmanuel Dogbey, Malawian defender Maxwell Paipi and Cameroonian goalkeeper Manfred Ekoi.

Chicken Inn are also preparing to unveil several new foreign additions.

League officials acted urgently because the foreign player registration deadline of March 1 falls before the PSL Congress scheduled for March 7, making it necessary to approve the changes early so clubs could plan with clarity.

Under the new regulations, clubs can register up to eight foreign players in a season even if some are later deregistered, with the PSL Secretariat instructed to amend the rules with immediate effect.

The league believe the move will raise the standard of competition and strengthen the commercial value of the domestic game by attracting broader interest from supporters, sponsors and broadcasters.

Officials argue that foreign players introduce different playing styles, training intensity and experience that can lift overall performance levels while pushing local players to compete harder for opportunities.

The PSL also expect greater exposure to international standards to help accelerate the development of Zimbabwean talent and encourage more young players to continue their growth within the domestic league.

Chief executive Rodwell Thabe has previously said the growing number of foreign players reflects the league’s increasing appeal, with recruitment now extending beyond traditional markets such as Zambia and Malawi to countries including DR Congo, Cameroon, Burundi and Ghana.

He has stressed that the focus remains on quality as clubs reshape their squads for the new campaign.