BULAWAYO big guns Highlanders and Chicken Inn are relieved for a possible stay in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) despite playing their last game fighting relegation, following a Zifa proposal to extend the league to 20 teams next year in line with international standards.
Bosso and Chicken Inn, both on 38 points and on position 10 and 11 respectively, face off in their last game after the international break, with a prospect of relegation, depending on the results of the clubs below them on the log-table.
Manica Diamonds and Dynamos are also on 38 points, Triangle and Bikita Minerals on 37 and Green Fuel on 36 points and might benefit from the Zifa proposal if it sails through with Yadah and Kwekwe United already in the woods.
A stark possibility is with Yadah and Kwekwe already out, Bulawayo Chiefs, Agama, Hardrock and Hunters FC, winners of the lower regional leagues will be elevated to the top league to make the teams 20, unless a new promotional format is introduced.
Zifa chief executive officer Yvonne Mapika Manwa on Monday wrote to acting PSL CEO Rodwell Tabe with the proposal to increase the number of clubs in the elite league.
“Pursuant to our mandate to develop, organise, and regulate football across all levels in the country, Zifa wishes to formally propose the increase in the number of teams participating in the Premier Soccer League from eighteen (18) to twenty (20), effective from the 2026 season,” the letter read.
“This proposal is informed by the following key considerations and justifications; alignment with International Best Practice: A 20-team league structure is widely adopted by leading football leagues globally and provides for a more comprehensive competition calendar aligned with the Fifa calendar year, enhanced competitive balance and opportunities: Expanding the league will create more opportunities for clubs from various regions to participate at the highest level, thereby promoting inclusivity, talent identification, and balanced regional representation.”
She added that the extension of the number of teams will add commercial value to the league and perpetuate Zifa’s developmental objectives.
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“Commercial and broadcasting value: An increased number of fixtures enhances the league’s commercial appeal, offering more content for broadcasters, sponsors, and fans-thus contributing to the league’s financial sustainability and visibility, developmental objectives: The expansion supports Zifa’s broader vision to strengthen the national football ecosystem by creating a wider platform for player development, coaching exposure, and administrative experience,” she said.
She said plans are also underway to establish a national first division side against the current four regional leagues, from teams to the PSL will be promoted.
“In tandem with the proposed expansion, Zifa also wishes to notify the PSL of our intention to explore and conduct broad consultations on the establishment of a National First Division League, which will serve as the immediate feeder league to the PSL.
“This structure aims to: standardise competition across regions under a unified national framework; enhance the pathway between grassroots, regional, and elite football; and improve promotion and relegation systems in a transparent and competitive manner,” Manwa said.
Zifa will be engaging in stakeholders consultations for implementation purposes.
If Highlanders and Chicken Inn remain in the top league, they will be joined by Bulawayo Chiefs to make three-team in the PSL from the Southern Region.
