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Ricky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
THE 125-day wait for the domestic Premier Soccer League ends this afternoon when How Mine take on newly promoted Bulawayo City at White City Stadium. Being the season’s opener, this encounter is expected to draw an appreciative crowd, which has been waiting for the start of topflight action. Fans should not expect to watch an open game between the miners and the local authority bankrolled club, as both teams will be cautious in their approach and will want at least a point in the opener.

How Mine, who had a disappointing 2015 season during which they finished 11th, have indicated that they want to improve this year, while City will be out to avoid the chop. Both sides have beefed up their sides to ensure they have competitive squads that will stand the PSL heat.

How Mine’s new coach Kelvin Kaindu brought in right-back Praise Tonha, utility player Sakala Mukundike, attacking midfielder Pasca Manhanga, ex-Dynamos left-back Qadr Amini and ex-ZPC Kariba winger Tsepo Ranthokaone, who are all expected to play today.

City coach Philani Ncube’s new signings to watch include left-back Brian Chikwenya, central defenders Brighton Dube and Nyasha Mukumbi, winger Emmanuel Mandiranga and veteran forward Mkhokheli Dube.

Bulawayo football fans are in for another big treat tomorrow when Chicken Inn begin their title defence against former champions Dynamos. The Gamecocks have made their intentions of retaining their title known.

“We got good experience through participating in the Caf Champions League and the good thing is we’ve regrouped and the focus is on defending the league. The way the guys played in the Caf Champions League against Mamelodi Sundowns was encouraging because they played their hearts out and what is left is to work harder to retain the league title,” Chicken Inn captain Danny Phiri said.

The last time Dynamos met Chicken Inn at Barbourfields was on September 27 and the visitors recorded a 1-0 win, their first victory in the City of Kings against the Gamecocks since 2011. Roderick Mutuma scored the solitary goal from the penalty spot.

For Dynamos coach Paulo Jorge Silva, the match against Chicken Inn will give him a real test of what to expect in the season.

Fixtures:
Today: How Mine v Bulawayo City (White City, 3PM, SuperSport)

Tomorrow: Chicken Inn v Dynamos (Barbourfields, 3PM, SuperSport), ZPC Kariba v Border Strikers (Nyamhunga), FC Platinum v Tsholotsho (Mandava), Mutare City v Ngezi Platinum (TBA)

Sunday: Caps United v Chapungu (National Sports Stadium), Hwange v Highlanders (Colliery), Triangle United v Harare City (Gibbo)