HARARE - Its show time again as Premier Soccer League clubs get ready for the battle of the 2011 soccer season, which kicks off on the first weekend of March.
Premier Soccer League clubs are already putting final touches to their squads as they prepare for the forthcoming season. Motor Action won the league title last term at the expense of Dynamos whom they beat to the finishing line on the very last day of the league programme. They will be looking to defend their title while other clubs like CAPS United have the ambition of winning the coveted title for the first time since 2005 when they won back-to-back titles under Charles Mhlauri.
Acting PSL chief executive Kennedy Ndebele disclosed this week that the new season would start on the first weekend of March. Ndebele, however, said fixtures were still being worked on and would be released to clubs in due course.
The new season is likely to be a fascinating one after the league management revealed that they had secured sponsorship for the league. which will also have a knock out tournament.
The league has suffered in the last few years from lack of corporate support since the withdrawal of Econet Wireless in 2005. CBZ came on board in 2007 before terminating its marriage with the league a year later.
The identity of the sponsor for this term is still being kept a secret. Most premiership clubs have been on a shopping spree with CAPS United being one of the biggest spenders after swooping on the likes of former Dynamos striker Evans Gwekwerere, former Monomotapa forward Charles Chiutsa, Daniel Vheremu from Shooting Stars and Lengthensyouthful midfielder Norest Mukwezaramba among some of their acquisitions.
Newly promoted outfit FC Platinum were also one of the biggest spenders on the market capturing Soccer Star of the Year Charles Sibanda and midfielder Bekimpilo Ncube from league champions Motor Action. Highlanders Ngodzo brothers, Joel and Zephania were also tempted to join the cash-rich outfit. Premiership Golden Boot winner Norman Maroto, who banged in 21 league and five cup goals, also joined the premiership new boys. So did Thabani Kamusoko who joined from Dynamos.
Police outfit Black Mambas also made one of the biggest scoops on the market when they announced the capture of veteran striker Peter Ndlovu whom they lured from retirement.
Dynamos and Highlanders, suffering a serious cash squeeze, were not active on the market. They were deserted by key players and it will be interesting to see how they fare this term.
Post published in: Football