PSL clubs gear up for pre-season

Langton Nyakwenda, Zimpapers Sports Hub

THE Premier Soccer League is likely to hold its annual general meeting next month, before the 2025 season kicks off in March, but a number of clubs are already preparing to kick start their pre-season programmes.

At the same time, most clubs are also pushing to conclude player transfers early, so that they can have a decent pre-season as a group.

Newly promoted Scottland FC have been ruthless on the transfer market as they have now secured the services of five of the eleven players on the 2024 Soccer Stars calendar.

Reigning Soccer Star of the Year, Walter Musona, first runner-up Lynoth Chikuhwa and second runner-up Khama Billiat are now at Scottland who have also acquired highly rated former CAPS United attacking linkman Kingsley Mureremba and Simba Bhora goal poacher Tymon Machope.

With their new coach Tonderai Ndiraya still out in Turkey on attachment, it is still not clear when Scottland FC will begin their pre-season.

But, what is clear is that a huge number of stars including former Highlanders centre-back Peter Muduhwa and Simba Bhora defensive linkman Tichaona Chipunza will converge for Scottland’s pre-season.

Veteran goalkeeper Talbert Shumba and Ngezi Platinum Stars defender Gareth Madhake are also now at the league’s new moneybags.

Zimbabwean football powerhouse Dynamos have also lost a number of key players including Donald Mudadi and Tanaka Shandirwa but coach, Lloyd “MaBlanyo” Chigowe, is putting on a brave face.
DeMbare will kick start their pre-season at Alex Sports Club on Tuesday.

Namibian striker Sadney Urikhob, the Moyo twins Kevin and Elvis, Issa Sadiki and Emmanuel Paga are also leaving.

“Dynamos now has the ability to regenerate,” says Chigowe who is banking on promoting a number of players from the club’s Division Two side.

Defending champions Simba Bhora were boosted by a US$500 000 sponsorship deal from Betterbrands before they sold Machope to Scottland FC for a reported US$100 000 fee.

With such a decent kitty, Go Buju Go have also invaded the market, raiding Mudadi from Dynamos and exciting prospect Blessed Ndereki from Yadah.

Simba Bhora, who replaced coach Ndiraya with Joel Luphahla, are also targeting FC Platinum midfielder Juan Mutudza.

However, Zimpapers Sports Hub has gathered that Mutudza still has a contract with FC Platinum, who are set to begin their pre-season this week.

“We should be starting next week (this week),” FC Platinum coach Norman Mapeza said.

Four-time champions Pure Platinum Play finished second last season, five points behind Simba Bhora while 2023 champions Ngezi Platinum Stars ended on third position.

The Mhondoro side have also lost some influential players including reliable goalie Nelson Chadya, Claude Mapoka and versatile defender Madhake.

Ngezi coach, Takesure Chiragwi, is still not sure when his side will regroup for the 2025 season but he is not fazed by the departure of some of his trusted soldiers.

“That’s normal, in our industry we are always in transition both players and coaches,” said Chiragwi.

Yadah will begin life without star player Billiat when they converge on Yadah Complex in Waterfalls on January 12.

Billiat is now at Scottland where he is set to form a fearsome front three with Musona and 2024 Golden Boot winner Chikuhwa.

“It’s a big blow for the club,” a worried Yadah coach Thomas Ruzive told Zimpapers Sports Hub.

“No one would want to lose such a quality and experienced player, but we wish him well, and we hope he will be treated the same way he was treated at Yadah,” added Ruzive.

Central midfielder Ndereki has also joined Simba Bhora while the future of centre-back Clive Mandivei is uncertain.

Greenfuel, who are set to officially announce Taurai Mangwiro as the new head coach, replacing Saul Chaminuka, will start their preparations on January 12.

However, Mangwiro was not at liberty to disclose much about the club’s activity on the market so far.

“The club will make an official announcement soon,” Mangwiro told Zimpapers Sports Hub.

TelOne, who surprised many when they survived relegation last season will re-group on January 14, the same day Herentals will start their pre-season under Paul Benza.

The Students finished fifth last term and were the best placed team from Harare.

They have already acquired veteran striker Lot Chiwunga (38), who has joined from CAPS United.

“We are still finalising on the other player movements, I think we will update more on Monday (tomorrow),” said Benza.

Chicken Inn coach Joey “Mafero” Antipas was still enjoying his holiday in Dubai when Zimpapers Sports Hub caught up with him last week, but the veteran gaffer should be back in time for the club’s pre-season which commences on Wednesday.