The 2025 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season is set to kick off with great anticipation, showcasing both seasoned teams and newcomers ready to make their mark. This year, teams have not only worked to bolster their squads with fresh talent but also made significant improvements during the off-season, promising fans thrilling matches.
On Friday, February 28, 2025, the season will launch with Scottland facing off against Triangle at Rufaro Stadium. Scottland, the league’s newcomers, have attracted attention for their aggressive recruitment of top local players, creating expectations for a strong debut performance. The team aims to secure their inaugural win as they enter the top flight, and excitement is palpable among fans.
One of the weekend's highlights will be the match at Wadzanayi Stadium, where defending champions Simba Bhora are set to take on FC Platinum. This fixture is marked as one of the season’s most anticipated clashes due to the competitive edge both teams have demonstrated. FC Platinum, having previously achieved substantial success at Wadzanayi Stadium last season, will aim to maintain their formidable reputation against the defending champions.
Evans Rusike, forward for Yadah Stars, is preparing for gripping competition this season. "This season, we are expecting more competition. Clubs have been working hard to improve," Rusike stated, underscoring the increasing competitiveness of the league. His own team, Yadah, substantially invested during the off-season and brought youthful talent to their roster, intending to build on their previous success where the team had encouraging results, and Rusike himself scored six goals last season.
"With the incredible work done here at Yadah, I believe we are prepared for the new season," Rusike continued, expressing confidence about his team's readiness. His ambition this season is not only personal growth but also to contribute additional goals as they strive for success. He emphasized the importance of starting strong, hinting at their determination to perform from the outset.
Last season saw clubs like Simba Bhora, Manica Diamonds, FC Platinum, and Ngezi Platinum strengthening their rosters, contesting fiercely for the top spots. This year, traditional powers such as Dynamos, Highlanders, and CAPS United are undergoing transformations of their own. Despite some key players leaving, these teams are also strategically rebuilding, which should keep the race competitive.
The fixture list for Matchday One is as follows:
- Friday, February 28, 2025: Scottland vs Triangle (Rufaro Stadium)
- Saturday, March 1, 2025: Herentals College vs TelOne (Rufaro Stadium)
- Simba Bhora vs FC Platinum (Wadzanayi Stadium)
- Manica Diamonds vs Yadah (Sakubva Stadium)
- Chicken Inn vs Bikita Minerals (Luveve Stadium)
- Kwekwe United vs Ngezi Platinum Stars (Bata Stadium)
- Greenfuel vs CAPS United (Greenfuel Arena)
- Sunday, March 2, 2025: Dynamos vs ZPC Kariba (Rufaro Stadium)
- MWOS vs Highlanders (Baobab Stadium)
With this potent mix of fierce competition and vibrant new talent, supporters across Zimbabwe are gearing up for what promises to be an exhilarating season full of surprises and memorable moments. Players like Rusike are ready for the challenges they will face, and it's clear this league is set for exciting growth.