Zimbabwe PSL increases foreign player quota

The Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) has officially increased the maximum number of foreign players a club can register from five to eight, as top-flight Zimbabwean clubs look to strengthen squads ahead of the 2026 season.

Previously, less than 20 foreign players were registered for the 2025 season, with clubs restricted to a maximum of five. However, the growing influx of expatriate talent prompted clubs to request a revision, citing the need to boost league competitiveness. Dynamos, FC Platinum, and Chicken Inn were reportedly at the forefront of lobbying for the change.

The PSL Emergency Committee approved the increase on February 11, citing the urgency of the matter, as the registration deadline for foreign players is March 1, a week before the league's annual general meeting scheduled for March 7. "Whereas the PSL Congress is scheduled for 7 March 2026 and the deadline for foreign player registration is 01 March 2026, the matter was deemed urgent and required immediate consideration by the Emergency Committee to ensure regulatory compliance and adequate planning ahead of the 2026 season," read a portion of the PSL memorandum.

The new resolution allows clubs to register up to eight foreign players per season, even if previously registered foreigners are de-registered during the campaign. PSL CEO Rodwell Thabe has been directed to amend Order 4.3 of the league's Rules and Regulations and notify all member clubs of the changes.

Several clubs have already moved to strengthen squads with foreign talent. Dynamos have signed DR Congo's Isaac Landu and Malawian Stanley Billiat, while Chicken Inn is set to unveil multiple foreign signings in Bulawayo at a special event on Monday. FC Platinum has recruited Namibian Mbakodja Tjahikika, Ghanaian Emmanuel Dogbey, Malawian defender Maxwell Paipi, and Cameroonian goalkeeper Manfred Ekoi.

Other top-flight teams, including 2025 champions Scottland, 2024 winners Simba Bhora, and rebuilding CAPS United, are also exploring foreign talent, with CAPS United currently fielding Ugandan Stephen Odai Kwaku, Zambian Chinga Chitoshi, and Malawians Lloyd Njaliwa and Chawanangwa Kaongaal.

According to PSL records, 16 foreign players were registered in the 2025 season. League officials say the increased quota is intended to enhance competitiveness and showcase the growing global appeal of Zimbabwe's top-flight football.

"This adjustment is a testament to the PSL's evolving standards and demonstrates that our local league is attracting talent beyond Zimbabwe's borders," the memorandum read, underlining the strategic rationale behind the move.

The change marks a significant shift in Zimbabwean football, allowing clubs greater flexibility in squad composition while aiming to raise the overall standard and international profile of the league.