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Kenny Ndebele

Harare Bureau
THE Independence Cup will warm the stage ahead of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League programme which is expected to kick off a bit late this year.

PSL chief executive Kenny Ndebele yesterday said they have set sights on starting the season on April 2 but only after the semi-finals of the Independence Cup which should take place in March.

The tournament usually features four teams and with the finals set for April 18.

Ndebele said they have decided to play the semi-finals before the start of the season so that the tournament gets prominence as well as to allow the smooth flowing of the league fixtures.

The league has faced logistical challenges due to some competitions that are still to be confirmed and they have been forced to delay releasing the fixtures.

“Normally the Independence Cup games are played towards the Independence Day on April 18 but we’ll have to play the semi-finals before the start of the league this year.

“Unless there are changes, of which ZIFA haven’t notified us, the semi-finals will be played between now and the end of March,” said Ndebele.

The top four teams from the previous season usually get the privilege to take part in the competition.

Traditionally the PSL season kicks off in March with the Charity shield and teams should by now be knowing the fixtures for planning purposes.

However, the league bosses have delayed as they are still waiting for confirmation from ZIFA for the proposed dates and format of the international tournaments.

The PSL are also waiting for the outcome of the appeal made by Masvingo United who are challenging Mutare City’s promotion from the ZIFA Eastern Region Division One League.

The league’s chiefs are also looking to sit down with SuperSport to come up with a broadcast schedule.

“Ideally the league programme incorporates all the international competitions and we’ve already taken into consideration the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

“Besides the Afcon qualifiers, we also know our Warriors will be involved in the COSAFA tournament to take place in Namibia in May and we’ve made provisions for that.

“But now we can’t conclude the programme because we also want to accommodate the Robert Mugabe Afro-Asia Cup which should be held between June and July.

“We’re still to get confirmation from ZIFA and once we’ve everything in place the fixtures should be out. Hopefully, before the end of this month,” said Ndebele.