The 2026 championship season has seen a dynamic shift in the league standings. CAPS United, previously leading the pack, has conceded its top position after a draw, while reigning champions Scottland continue to face challenges, recording their seventh draw of the campaign.

In a surprising turn of events, CAPS United relinquished their pole position for the first time in weeks following a 1-1 draw against Simba Bhora at Wadzanai in Shamva. This outcome allowed Hardrock to ascend to the top of the league table, now tied with CAPS United at 27 points after Match Day 13, but with a superior goal difference.

The match saw CAPS United take the lead in the 30th minute with a goal from Malawian player Lloyd Njaliwa. However, Simba Bhora fought back valiantly, securing a 90th-minute equalizer through teenage forward Cole Tsamba. The game also featured a dramatic moment in the 15th minute when referee Nelson Meke initially awarded Simba Bhora a penalty, only to overturn his decision after reconsideration, instead awarding the visitors a drop ball.

It was another disappointing afternoon for Scottland, as the Premiership’s high-spending team was held to a goalless draw by ZPC Kariba at Rufaro. This marks their seventh draw of the season, highlighting a persistent struggle to convert opportunities into wins.

ZPC Kariba, aiming to recover from two consecutive defeats, displayed a resilient performance. Their coach, Newton Chitewe, expressed satisfaction with his team’s effort, stating, “I am happy with the point. The plan was to avoid defeat. We were coming from two defeats and getting a point against defending champions is something positive.”

Scottland dominated possession from the outset, forcing ZPC Kariba into a defensive posture. A prime opportunity arose in the fourth minute when skipper Walter Musona faced ZPC Kariba’s third-choice goalkeeper, Future Sibanda, who made a crucial save. Despite continuous pressure from the Mabvuku-based side, the visitors maintained their defensive discipline, thwarting attacking threats and relying on counter-attacks.

Scottland’s coach, Norman Mapeza, lamented the numerous missed chances. He commented, “Coming into every game, you will be expecting three points, but we only managed a single and will take it. We could have buried the game, we had a number of chances that came our way. This is something that we have been working on for some time and I believe it’s work in progress.”

Coach Kaindu returned to familiar grounds, this time representing Hardrock in their green and yellow colors. His team secured a vital win against Bulawayo Chiefs, with goals from Soccer Star of the Year Washington Navaya (penalty) and Neliswa Dlamini. This victory was particularly sweet after their unexpected 1-0 home defeat to Highlanders midweek.

Bulawayo Chiefs showed early attacking intent, earning a free-kick in a promising position just two minutes into the match, but Melikhaya Ncube’s attempt was comfortably saved. Despite creating several subsequent openings, the Chiefs lacked the clinical finish in front of goal.

Chiefs coach John Nyikadzino attributed the loss to poor defending and inefficiency in attack. He stated, “We lost it in the first half due to poor clearances. We got some chances, but our decision-making was poor.”

Kaindu expressed his delight with his team’s response, saying, “It’s a good win for us after our previous loss. We knew it was going to be a difficult game against Chiefs. We created several chances which I thought we should have converted.”

Just three matches into his return to the Premiership dugout, TelOne coach Saul Chaminuka has reignited his disputes with match officials. Following a controversial 2-1 home loss against Manica Diamonds at Ascot, Chaminuka made strong claims of “a plot” against his team. This marks TelOne’s seventh loss at Ascot, a continuation of their poor home form from last year. However, this time, TelOne feels particularly aggrieved by what they perceive as poor officiating from Mercy Mayimbo.

Mayimbo made several questionable decisions that went against TelOne, most notably disallowing Tawanda Macheke’s goal in the 68th minute. With the hosts trailing and pushing for an equalizer, Macheke scored with a clinical header past Geoffrey Chitsumba, but assistant referee Obey Mbengo raised his flag for offside. A few minutes later, TelOne was denied what appeared to be a clear penalty when Chitsumba collided with Nqosiyabo Masilela inside the box.

After the match, Chaminuka expressed his frustration, suggesting that the officials had predetermined the outcome. He remarked, “It is very difficult, I look every day from my first game, there seems to be a plot against us. The officiating, I do not want to talk about the officiating, I want to talk about the technical aspects of the game, but then the players have done what they needed to do and someone decides. Now you fail to understand what is going on. The same thing happened on Wednesday, we scored a good goal, but we were denied. I do not know why we are coming to play when match officials have results already. Players do what they have to, but someone else turns them down. I really do not know what needs to be done.’’

TelOne also bears some responsibility for allowing Manica Diamonds back into the game after taking an early lead through Eriya Mafirenyika’s header within 15 minutes. However, their lead was short-lived, as Lawrence Masibera equalized for Mutare on the half-hour mark with a close-range tap-in. Liberty Masveure, named man of the match, then secured the lead for the Gem Boys seven minutes later, concluding a swift counter-attack.

Manica Diamonds coach Patrick Mandizha was pleased with his team’s rare away victory. He stated, “I was very impressed by my team, how they showed commitment and dedication in a high-intensity match like this one. We controlled the match in the first half with good build-up play from the back, culminating in us getting those two goals.”

The Premier Soccer League Zimbabwe has praised football fans and stakeholders for their continued support of local football, following the successful hosting of the Harare Derby between Dynamos FC and CAPS United FC at the weekend.

In a statement, the PSL expressed gratitude to supporters across the country for the passion and commitment they have shown since the start of the season, highlighting the electric atmosphere witnessed during Sunday’s derby encounter in Harare.

“We would like to express our sincere appreciation to football fans across the country for the passionate support they have shown to their respective teams since the start of the season,” the statement said.

The PSL said the Harare Derby was made memorable by the overwhelming turnout and cooperation from various stakeholders involved in organising the match.

“In particular, we thank all stakeholders who contributed to the success of the Harare Derby between Dynamos FC and Caps United FC this past Sunday, making it a truly special occasion,” the PSL said.

According to the league, more than 25 000 paying fans attended the highly anticipated clash, creating an exciting atmosphere that reflected the growing enthusiasm surrounding domestic football.

“More than 25,000 paying fans created an incredible atmosphere, once again demonstrating the power, passion and unity of our football family,” the PSL said.

The league also acknowledged the role played by its commercial partners, clubs and other stakeholders in ensuring smooth matchday operations throughout the season.

“We also extend our gratitude to our valued partners for their continued support of football and commend the efforts by the clubs and stakeholders, working closely with the PSL, to ensure every matchday is successfully organised,” the statement said.

The PSL reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining safe and enjoyable matchday experiences for supporters while protecting the image of local football.

“We remain committed to providing a safe, secure and enjoyable matchday environment that protects the reputation of our clubs and the game as a whole,” the PSL added.

However, the league raised concern over incidents of missile throwing and other forms of misconduct by some supporters, warning that such behaviour damages the image of the sport and places financial strain on clubs.

“At the same time, we urge all supporters to refrain from missile throwing and any other forms of misconduct. Such behaviour creates unnecessary negative attention, places a significant financial burden on clubs, and takes away from the positive spirit of the game,” the PSL said.

The league called on supporters to promote responsible behaviour and report any unethical conduct during matches.

“Let us all continue to play our part by reporting bad behaviour or unethical conduct whenever we see it, while supporting our teams in a responsible and respectful manner,” the PSL said.

The statement concluded with a rallying call for fans to continue supporting local football and filling stadiums across the country.

“Keep bringing the energy, keep supporting football, and keep filling our stadiums as we continue building something special together.”

Bulawayo, Zimbabwe – The once-mighty Highlanders Football Club has been plunged into a fresh abyss of turmoil, as players staged a dramatic protest over unpaid salaries, effectively sabotaging crucial preparations at a pivotal stage of the season. This latest act of defiance exposes a deepening crisis at Bosso, painting a grim picture of mismanagement and neglect that threatens to derail the club entirely.

According to a damning report by The Chronicle, the entire Highlanders squad reported for training on Wednesday but defiantly refused to participate in the session. Instead, they opted for a coordinated sit-in, a stark and public display of their profound frustration over outstanding wages. This is not merely a minor grievance; it is a symptom of a systemic failure.

This incident is far from isolated. It marks a continuation of a festering crisis that has gripped the Bulawayo giants. It is understood that not only the players, but also members of the technical team and even office staff, are owed at least two months’ salaries. Such chronic financial instability is utterly unacceptable for a club of Highlanders’ stature and history.

The Chronicle further reveals that this ongoing standoff has utterly decimated morale within the camp. The squad, once a symbol of Bulawayo pride, is now a hotbed of discontent, their patience worn thin by repeated delays in payment. How can a team be expected to perform when its basic needs are ignored, and its professionals are treated with such disdain?

Predictably, this internal chaos has translated directly onto the pitch. Highlanders have endured an abysmal start to the current campaign, managing a solitary win in their opening ten matches, with the majority ending in frustrating draws. This dismal performance is not merely bad luck; it is a direct consequence of a leadership vacuum and a blatant disregard for player welfare.

As the Bulawayo giants limp towards their Sunday fixture against Triangle United, one must ask: What hope is there for a positive result when the very foundation of the team – its players – are in open revolt? The Highlanders faithful deserve answers.

They deserve accountability. This club, a national institution, is being systematically destroyed by those entrusted with its care.

The time for platitudes is over; urgent and decisive action is needed to rescue Bosso from the brink.