PSL pauses for Warriors’ World Cup qualifiers and COSAFA competition.
Warriors face Lesotho and South Africa in crucial qualifiers.
Coaches to use break to regroup and strategize teams.
Mixed PSL standings; top teams strategize, bottom teams regroup.
The Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) is set to pause for the next three weeks, providing a strategic opportunity for coaches to regroup and revitalize their squads. This hiatus coincides with the Warriors’ international engagements, including the second set of Group C FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and South Africa, as well as the COSAFA competition.
The only PSL match scheduled during this break is a rescheduled game between Herentals and Bikita Minerals, set for Saturday at Rufaro Stadium. According to PSL spokesperson Kudzai Bare, “The Premier Soccer League will be taking a break from 1 June 2024 to accommodate the upcoming FIFA World Cup Qualifiers and the COSAFA men’s competition. The Castle Lager PSL matches will resume on Saturday, June 22, 2024.”
Warriors’ Critical Fixtures
The Warriors, under head coach Jairos Tapera, have a crucial set of fixtures. They will face Lesotho at Orlando Stadium next Friday and then travel to Free State Stadium to take on South Africa’s Bafana Bafana four days later. This period is pivotal for the Warriors as they strive for their first-ever World Cup finals appearance, following two draws against Rwanda and Nigeria last November.
Coaches’ Dual Roles and League Performance
The break in domestic action does not translate to rest for Tapera, who also manages Manica Diamonds, currently topping the PSL standings with 29 points from 14 games. His dual role adds an extra layer of complexity as he balances national and club responsibilities. Meanwhile, his Warriors’ assistant coach, Takesure Chiragwi, is at the helm of Ngezi Platinum Stars, the defending PSL champions who are struggling this season, sitting sixth with 21 points.
Another assistant coach for the Warriors, Saul Chaminuka, has recently taken over at GreenFuel. Despite managing a draw against Highlanders last weekend, GreenFuel remains in the lower half of the table, positioned at 12th with 17 points.
PSL Standings: A Mid-Season Review
Behind Manica Diamonds, FC Platinum, coached by Norman Mapeza, holds the second spot with 28 points. Simba Bhora, under Tonderai Ndiraya, is third with 24 points, followed by Kelvin Kaindu’s Highlanders and Joey Antipas’ Chicken Inn, both with 22 points.
The league’s traditional powerhouses, Caps United and Dynamos, have had an underwhelming season so far. Caps United, managed by Lloyd Chitembwe, are in eighth place with 18 points, while Dynamos, coached by the under-pressure Genesis Mangombe, are seventh with 19 points.
At the bottom of the table, Hwange is struggling significantly, with only eight points. They have brought in Rodwell Dhlakama, who recently left GreenFuel, in an attempt to stave off relegation.
Challenges and Opportunities
This break provides a critical window for all PSL teams. For those at the top, it’s an opportunity to strategize on maintaining their positions and building on their successes. For those at the bottom, it’s a chance to regroup, address tactical shortcomings, and prepare for a rigorous second half of the season.
Teams like Hwange, Arenel Movers, TelOne, and Chegutu Pirates need to use this time to reassess their strategies and improve their performances to avoid relegation battles. For coaches balancing dual roles, like Tapera and his assistants, the challenge will be in managing fatigue and ensuring both their club and national duties are met with the highest standards.
Current Table Standing
