The Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) enters its fifth round this weekend, with teams eager to gain momentum early in the season.
Defending champions Simba Bhora will look to bounce back from their first defeat, while other big teams like Highlanders, CAPS United, and Dynamos face important fixtures.
Defending Champs Simba Bhora Look to Bounce Back Against TelOne
Simba Bhora, fresh off a disappointing 1-0 loss to Dynamos, will return to Wadzanai Stadium to host TelOne. The defending champions, under the guidance of former Warriors and Highlanders player Joel Luphahla, have had a mixed start to the season, with one win, two draws, and one loss.
Lloyd “MaBlanyo” Chigowe
Their performance so far has earned them five points from 12, a modest 42% success rate. After having been the only team not to concede a goal this season, their strong defensive record came to an end against Dynamos, a lapse Luphahla called a turning point.
“Yeah, this thing was hanging over our shoulders,” Luphahla said, reflecting on the end of their clean sheet streak. “Maybe that built some pressure. Unfortunately, our goalkeeper conceded a soft goal. Mistakes happen, and someone has to make a mistake for a game to be decided. Unfortunately, it was us.”
Highlanders, after a frustrating 1-1 draw with Scottland FC, head south to face a struggling Triangle United at Gibbo Stadium. Triangle, under coach Luke Masomere, is at the bottom of the table with no points from four games, most recently losing 2-0 to Ngezi Platinum Stars. Despite their poor start, Masomere remains hopeful. “We will soon get it right. It’s only a matter of time; we are not panicking yet,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dynamos will travel to Sakubva Stadium to take on Manica Diamonds. Dynamos captain Emmanuel Jalai has been in superb form, helping his team gain confidence following their victory over Simba Bhora. Jalai’s performances have also caught attention in Zimbabwe’s recent World Cup qualifiers, where he stood out in matches against Benin and Nigeria.
Kelvin Kaindu
In other Saturday games, Chicken Inn will seek their first win of the season against Herentals College at Luveve Stadium. Newcomers MWOS will face ZPC Kariba at Baobab Stadium, while Kwekwe United takes on former champions FC Platinum at Bata Stadium. Greenfuel will host Yadah Stars at the Greenfuel Arena, and Scottland FC will battle Bikita Minerals at Rufaro Stadium.
On Sunday, CAPS United will host Ngezi Platinum Stars at Rufaro Stadium, while the highlight of the day will see Highlanders take on Triangle United in a crucial clash.
With the PSL season intensifying, Round Five offers an important opportunity for teams to either strengthen their position or regroup before the competition heats up further.
PSL Week Five Fixtures
Saturday:
- Manica Diamonds vs Dynamos (Sakubva Stadium)
- Chicken Inn vs Herentals (Luveve Stadium)
- Simba Bhora vs TelOne (Wadzanayi Stadium)
- MWOS vs ZPC Kariba (Baobab Stadium)
- Kwekwe United vs FC Platinum (Bata Stadium)
- Greenfuel vs Yadah (Greenfuel Arena)
- Scottland FC vs Bikita Minerals (Rufaro Stadium)
Sunday:
- Triangle United vs Highlanders (Gibbo Stadium)
- CAPS United vs Ngezi Platinum Stars (Rufaro Stadium)
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