Story by Lawrence Trusida, Sports Editor
THE 2023 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League will begin on the 18th of March after PSL released the seasonal fixtures this Tuesday.
After the football season was confirmed to be starting on the 11th of March with the season opener the Castle Challenge Cup, league action has now been confirmed to roar into life a week later.
Defending champions, FC Platinum will kick off their campaign with a date against new-boys Simba Bhora away from home, while runners up Chicken Inn will also entertain another promoted side Sheasham, while Dynamos who finished third also face league returnees, Hwange.
While all the four promoted clubs seemingly have tough fixtures at the beginning of the season, Shamva based Simba Bhora have seemingly been given a rude welcome to the top flight league as they are set to face the top three sides from last season in their first three matches and surprisingly in the manner they finished last season, FC Platinum, Chicken Inn and Dynamos.
Harare giants Dynamos, who fizzled out of the title race last season, have a somewhat easy fixtures to kick off their campaign as they face three new sides in their first three fixtures, Hwange, Sheasham and Simba Bhora.
The first big match of the season is set for week three as Highlanders host FC Platinum at Barbourfields Stadium as the two sides look to renew their rivalry after playing out to entertaining matches in the past few seasons.
Fans do not have to wait long for the Battle of Zimbabwe as Highlanders and Dynamos are set to do battle as early as week five, with Highlanders looking to continue their dominance, while DeMbare will seek a change of fortunes.
Week seven will see Dynamos facing Caps United in the Harare derby, as the two capital city sides look for some early bragging rights ahead of a long season.
The PSL is yet to announce the list of approved stadia but it has already informed stakeholders that Vengere Stadium in Rusape and Ascot Stadium in Gweru will not be used for league action as they have failed to meet the minimum required standards to host matches.