Zimbabwe Premier League kicks off end of March

THE 2014 Premiership season will start at the end of March after the league has finalised its sponsorship deal with Delta Beverages.

A club official said they were advised about the development during Saturday's annual general meeting in Harare.

This means that teams have a month to round up their preparations. However the transfer window closes on Friday.

"The delay in starting competition is that we are waiting for the league and sponsor to put pen to paper on the improved sponsorship deal. We were told that both parties have agreed on the league sponsorship but like I said, what is outstanding is to sign the documents. I think that will be done soon and as clubs we are eager to start," said an official who declined to be named.

Authoritative Chronicle sources said the league is close to sealing a deal with NetOne who are said to be keen on bankrolling the Sup8r Knockout competition following the withdrawal of BancABC.

Contacted for comment, the PSL chief executive officer Kennedy Ndebele declined to comment on the progress they are making with regards to sponsorship deals.

He however said Dynamos and How Mine's participation in the Caf clubs competitions had contributed to the delay in the season's kick off.

Dynamos are in the Orange Caf Champions League while How Mine is competing in the Orange Caf Confederation Cup.  The two teams play in the first round of the continental competitions this weekend and will travel for the reverse fixture a week later. DeMbare will be home to AS Vita of Democratic Republic of Congo while How Mine will play host to Seychelles' St Michel in the first leg.

"If you look at how Caf clubs competitions have been structured it is different from the past where a team will play the first leg and then the reverse fixture is in a fortnight. Now they play this week and a week later it's the second leg. With such a calendar, it becomes difficult for us to have midweek games. Because we want to avoid a backlog, we have decided to start our season at the end of March when our country's representatives are done with the Caf qualifying rounds," Ndebele said.

Clubs have been busy bolstering their sides for the season which promises to be a thriller. The country's "Big Three" Caps United, Dynamos and Highlanders have made significant signings with FC Platinum also active in the transfer market.

The league also welcomes back Chapungu from the Zifa Central Region, Bantu Rovers who took over Plumtree Chiefs' franchise, Chiredzi FC and ZPC Kariba.

Until the start of the season, clubs will be involved in friendly matches.