Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) has dropped a shock proposal to expand the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League from 18 to 20 teams next season.
In a letter dated 10 November and addressed to acting PSL chief executive Rodwell Thabe, Zifa chief executive officer Yvonne Manwa said the association wants the topflight to “align with international trends” and boost the league’s commercial appeal.
The proposal suggests that instead of the current four regional Division One leagues each promoting one team, a single National Division One League could be introduced to streamline development and competition.
At present, promotion and relegation are straightforward. Four teams go down from the Premiership while the four regional champions move up. But this could be shaken up if the Zifa plan gets the green light.
Zifa argue that more teams will mean more games, which they believe translates to improved broadcasting value, increased sponsorship attraction and potentially a stronger national league product.
Inside sources say the idea also ties in with Zifa’s aim to switch the domestic season to match the international football calendar, likely running August to May.
However, the move will not be automatic. The 18 PSL club chairpersons, who also sit in the Zifa Assembly, hold the power to approve or reject the proposal. With Zifa elections scheduled for December and no confirmed date for the next Assembly meeting, the timing could spark heated boardroom lobbying.
Some club bosses are already whispering concerns about travel costs, player wages, and stadium suitability if two more teams join the elite league. Others see opportunity, especially for smaller clubs dreaming of rubbing shoulders with the big boys like Highlanders, Dynamos, Chicken Inn, FC Platinum and CAPS United.
