News / National
Dembare, Scottland set for season-opening showdown
2 hrs ago |
51 Views
The 2026 Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League season roars into life on Sunday as traditional giants Dynamos FC clash with reigning champions Scottland FC in the Castle Lager Challenge Cup at Rufaro Stadium.
Kick-off is set for 2pm CAT, but the atmosphere is expected to build hours earlier as fans gather for the ceremonial opener of the new campaign.
For the league, the Challenge Cup is more than a curtain-raiser — it is a tone-setter, a showcase of the standards expected throughout the season.
"We are fully prepared for the Castle Lager Challenge Cup. We have held comprehensive planning meetings with all key stakeholders, including security authorities and our broadcast partners, to ensure a smooth, safe and professionally delivered event," said PSL spokesperson Kudzai Bare.
Fans have been promised efficient matchday operations, quality live coverage and high-energy entertainment from the Chillspot Family.
Sunday's spectacle also marks the beginning of the PSL's 2026–2029 Strategic Plan, which league leadership says will emphasise professionalism, governance and commercial growth.
"The Castle Lager Challenge Cup sets the tone for the entire season. It is a premium platform to showcase the PSL brand and the quality of local football," Bare said.
Dynamos enter the clash buoyed by their recent Chibuku Super Cup triumph and are eager to reassert themselves as title contenders.
Coach Genesis Mangombe, affectionately known as "Kaka," is chasing his second major trophy with the Glamour Boys after guiding them to Chibuku glory in 2023. He has reinforced his squad during the transfer window, bringing in DR Congo defender Isaac Landu, former Triangle United midfielder Witness Shave and ex-Yadah forward Mandlenkosi Mlilo.
Malawian forward Stanley Billiat made a second-half appearance in their recent narrow defeat to Highlanders, while winger Callum English Brown remains locked in contract negotiations.
Captain Shadreck Nyahwa has made it clear that Dynamos are targeting a strong start to the campaign.
Scottland arrive with the confidence of defending champions after lifting the league title under Tonderai Ndiraya last season. Now under the experienced guidance of Norman Mapeza, they are determined to prove their success was no fluke.
The champions have retained the spine of their title-winning squad. Striker Tymon Machope leads the attack, supported by creative forces Walter Musona and Terrence Dzvukamanja. Panashe Mutimbanyoka anchors the midfield, while veterans Knowledge Musona and Khama Billiat add experience and composure.
With US$55,000 in prize money on offer — US$35,000 for the winners and US$20,000 for the runners-up — there is tangible incentive alongside bragging rights.
Fans returning to Rufaro will pay US$5 for general admission, US$10 for VIP and US$20 for VVIP, setting the stage for a stadium brimming with colour, noise and anticipation.
As the whistle blows on Sunday afternoon, it will not only signal the start of a single match — it will mark the opening chapter of what promises to be a compelling 2026 season.
Kick-off is set for 2pm CAT, but the atmosphere is expected to build hours earlier as fans gather for the ceremonial opener of the new campaign.
For the league, the Challenge Cup is more than a curtain-raiser — it is a tone-setter, a showcase of the standards expected throughout the season.
"We are fully prepared for the Castle Lager Challenge Cup. We have held comprehensive planning meetings with all key stakeholders, including security authorities and our broadcast partners, to ensure a smooth, safe and professionally delivered event," said PSL spokesperson Kudzai Bare.
Fans have been promised efficient matchday operations, quality live coverage and high-energy entertainment from the Chillspot Family.
Sunday's spectacle also marks the beginning of the PSL's 2026–2029 Strategic Plan, which league leadership says will emphasise professionalism, governance and commercial growth.
"The Castle Lager Challenge Cup sets the tone for the entire season. It is a premium platform to showcase the PSL brand and the quality of local football," Bare said.
Dynamos enter the clash buoyed by their recent Chibuku Super Cup triumph and are eager to reassert themselves as title contenders.
Coach Genesis Mangombe, affectionately known as "Kaka," is chasing his second major trophy with the Glamour Boys after guiding them to Chibuku glory in 2023. He has reinforced his squad during the transfer window, bringing in DR Congo defender Isaac Landu, former Triangle United midfielder Witness Shave and ex-Yadah forward Mandlenkosi Mlilo.
Malawian forward Stanley Billiat made a second-half appearance in their recent narrow defeat to Highlanders, while winger Callum English Brown remains locked in contract negotiations.
Captain Shadreck Nyahwa has made it clear that Dynamos are targeting a strong start to the campaign.
Scottland arrive with the confidence of defending champions after lifting the league title under Tonderai Ndiraya last season. Now under the experienced guidance of Norman Mapeza, they are determined to prove their success was no fluke.
The champions have retained the spine of their title-winning squad. Striker Tymon Machope leads the attack, supported by creative forces Walter Musona and Terrence Dzvukamanja. Panashe Mutimbanyoka anchors the midfield, while veterans Knowledge Musona and Khama Billiat add experience and composure.
With US$55,000 in prize money on offer — US$35,000 for the winners and US$20,000 for the runners-up — there is tangible incentive alongside bragging rights.
Fans returning to Rufaro will pay US$5 for general admission, US$10 for VIP and US$20 for VVIP, setting the stage for a stadium brimming with colour, noise and anticipation.
As the whistle blows on Sunday afternoon, it will not only signal the start of a single match — it will mark the opening chapter of what promises to be a compelling 2026 season.
Source - The Chronicle
Join the discussion
Loading comments…
