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Harare City Nears PSL Return in “Swap and Top” Franchise Deal with Hunters FC

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Harare City Nears Top-Flight Comeback in Franchise Talks with Hunters FC

The “Sunshine Boys” are on the verge of a dramatic return to Zimbabwe’s elite football tier. Recent reports indicate that Harare City Council (HCC) is in advanced negotiations to acquire the Premier Soccer League (PSL) franchise of newly promoted Hunters FC.

The proposed deal, which seeks to restore top-flight football to the municipality after a three-season absence, has reached a critical stage as both parties negotiate the final valuation. Initially, Marondera-based Hunters FC, who recently earned promotion from the Eastern Region Division One, placed a US$1 million price tag on their PSL slot. However, Harare City is reportedly pushing for a much lower figure.

Instead of a direct cash purchase, the municipality is pursuing a creative “swap and top” arrangement to close the valuation gap. Harare City Council’s representative in the negotiations, Housing Manager Mr. Edgar Dzehonye, dismissed claims surrounding the US$1 million figure, saying discussions were still ongoing.

“Negotiations are underway, and the amount mentioned is merely an asking price. We have significantly reduced the figure, and the purchase will be done through a swap-and-top deal. We are exchanging our Harare Northern Region Division One franchise and topping up with cash to acquire Hunters FC’s PSL franchise,” said Dzehonye.

Under the proposed structure, Hunters FC would take over Harare City’s current place in the Northern Region Division One while also receiving an additional cash payment in exchange for surrendering their PSL status.

While the footballing rationale is clear Harare City aims to avoid the demanding Division One promotion race the move has attracted internal scrutiny. Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume has urged caution, noting that although preliminary signatures may have been secured, the deal must still undergo full council approval.

The potential acquisition comes at a time when the council has faced criticism over service delivery and the condition of sporting infrastructure, including persistent drainage problems at Rufaro Stadium.

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Zindoga Called Up as Fusire Withdraws from Warriors Squad

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The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has announced a late change to the Warriors squad ahead of the upcoming Botswana Four Nations Tournament, with Junior Zindoga earning a call-up as a replacement for Sean Fusire.

Zindoga, who plays for TS Galaxy, joins the national team after Fusire, of Sheffield Wednesday, requested to be excused from the squad due to personal reasons.

In a statement, ZIFA confirmed that Fusire remains committed to representing Zimbabwe and continues to be part of the national team’s long-term plans despite his absence from the tournament.

 

The Botswana Four Nations Tournament presents an important preparatory platform for the Warriors as they continue to build cohesion and assess squad depth.

 

Zindoga’s inclusion offers him an opportunity to impress on the international stage as Zimbabwe looks to put together a competitive showing in the regional competition.

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Dynamos, Highlanders Play Out Thrilling Draw in Season’s First Battle of Zimbabwe

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The much-anticipated clash between Dynamos FC and Highlanders FC lived up to its billing as the two giants battled to a 2–2 draw at Rufaro Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Highlanders started brightly and nearly found the opener in the 18th minute when Nomore Chinyerere tried his luck from distance, only to see his powerful effort strike the woodwork. Dynamos struggled to impose themselves early on and failed to seriously test Bosso goalkeeper Reward Muza during the opening stages.

The breakthrough eventually arrived in the 39th minute when Never Rauzhi capped off a well-worked Highlanders move with a clinical finish to give the visitors the lead heading into halftime.

Dynamos came out with renewed energy after the break and quickly drew level through Tellmore Pio, who struck soon after the restart. The Glamour Boys then had a chance to take the lead, but substitute Leroy Mavunga missed from close range.

Highlanders punished that miss late in the game when Mongameli Tshuma produced a moment of brilliance in the 78th minute, dribbling past several defenders before calmly finishing to restore Bosso’s advantage.

However, Dynamos refused to go down without a fight and equalised four minutes later through Collins Mujuru, who connected with a cross from a free kick to make it 2–2.

The pulsating encounter ended all square, with both teams forced to settle for a point in an entertaining start to this season’s Battle of Zimbabwe.

Elsewhere, Bulawayo Chiefs FC edged Agama FC 1–0 at Wadzanai Stadium, handing Agama their second consecutive defeat.

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Ngezi Platinum Stars Hold Defending Champions Scottland at Rufaro

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Ngezi Platinum Stars battled to a 1–1 draw against defending Castle Lager Premier Soccer League champions Scottland in an entertaining encounter at Rufaro Stadium on Friday.

The visitors produced a disciplined performance and took the lead early in the second half after a competitive opening period that saw both teams play attractive football but struggle to create clear scoring opportunities.

Scottland nearly opened the scoring before halftime when Panashe Mutimbanyoka found himself in a promising position, only to squander the chance with the goalkeeper beaten.

After the break, Ngezi returned with greater intensity and were rewarded when Farai Madhanhanga struck a powerful effort that goalkeeper Nelson Chadya failed to contain, handing the visitors a deserved advantage.

The champions responded by increasing attacking pressure and eventually earned a penalty after Moses Shidolo was fouled inside the box. Walter Musona calmly converted from the spot to level matters for the Mabvuku-based outfit.

Both sides searched for a late winner in a lively closing spell, with Scottland pushing forward while Ngezi stood firm defensively to secure a share of the points.

Scottland head coach Norman Mapeza said he was encouraged by his team’s overall display despite dropping points.

“I am happy with the progress that we are making as a team. In some moments, our decision-making could have been better, but it is still early in the season and I am satisfied with the progress,” said Mapeza.

Ngezi Platinum Stars coach Kumbirai Mutiwekuziva felt his side could have handled key moments better, particularly the penalty incident.

“We started well but did not defend certain moments properly. On the penalty, we could have done better, and we felt it was a soft decision — maybe the referee could have been more lenient,” he said.

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