Online Reporter
Blessing Malinganiza
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE National Premier League (NPL) returns for its fifth edition with a fresh wave of competition, with five new teams entering the fray.
Defending champions Takashinga Patriots will face stiff challenges from last year’s runners-up Westside, alongside newcomers like Chiredzi, Eastern Titans, and Mbizo, signaling cricket’s rapid expansion across Zimbabwe.
“This influx of new teams keeps the competition dynamic,” said Zimbabwe Cricket general manager Dirk Vijoen ahead of the tournament.
“We’re eager to see what they bring, while our seasoned sides know the stakes are higher than ever.”
“As Zimbabwe’s premier cricket tournament, the NPL is a critical pathway for provincial and national team selection,” said Vijoen.
He added: “The game is spreading, Chiredzi’s return is proof. This decentralisation means more talent, more competition, and more future stars for Zimbabwe.”
In it’s inaugural season in 2020 the league started with nine teams, but have expanded to 14 this season.
Takashinga Patriots were the inaugural winners in 2020, with Gladiators in 2022 before Takashinga 1 in 2023 and 2024.
Five teams qualified through the playoffs.
The first round of matches begins this Saturday.
Fixtures
Saturday
Westside vs Takashinga 2(Mutare Sports Club), Methane Lions vs Gladiators( Masvingo Sports Club), Mbizo vs Rangers (Kwekwe Sports Club), Alex vs Eastern Titans( Alex Sports Club),
Sunday
Chiredzi vs Rimuka( Masvingo Sports Club), Amakhosi 2 vs Amakhosi 1 (Bulawayo Athletic Club), Queens vs Takashinga 1 (Kwekwe Sports Club)
Online Reporter