The 2017/18 ABSA Premier Soccer League is raring to burst in to life on the 18th of August and most Zimbabwean players plying their trade in the league are eager for a successful season
Unlike in the previous campaign where they failed to leave a mark, this time has already promised better fortunes for some as they have brightly prepared for it. For the freshmen in their PSL debut, they have a lot to prove and the list include teen sensation Prince Dube, Teenage Hadabe and Baroka FC’ s Talent Chawapiwa.
Of those old faces a new lease would have either been pened or they have moved to a new home. Such example is Evans Rusike. After signing a new contract, the Maritzburg striker made a bold statement when he scored the only goal for his team which dumped Mamelodi Sundowns out of the MTN Cup. Not to be spared is left footed wing striker Kudakwashe Mahachi.
The exciting player helped his team Golden Arrows with a goal though in vain as they were knocked out of the MTN Cup.
Another player to look for is a former loanee and now a Golden Arrows full member Knox Mutizwa.His upcoming season at his new found home is promising after a successful loan spell at the same club last season.
He now joins team mate and fellow country man Mahachi. As a boost of confidence, Mutizwa was named player of the tournament at the just ended COSAFA Cup.
Midfield maestro Willard Katsande is another Zimbabwean who missed the top gong in the last campaign. A regular in the Kaizer Chiefs’ team Katsande has made a name for himself. A bar will be raised, only persistance and hard working will see him reaching it.
Sadly his team mate and a new signing Teenage Hadabe will miss the PSL opening after he sustained a terrible ankle injury during training. He is out of action for at least a month.
With controversy seem to follow him off pitch always Tendai Ndoro who was named Orlando Pirates top goal scorer of the season at the club awards will be hoping to build from where he left in previous season.
He scored thirteen times for the Buccaneers last season.
Forgotten attacker, Ovidy Karuru has finally rediscovered his lost glorry. Now seen as a faded giant, he found his way back to the top. He was a star at his team, Amazulu last season. His services helped Usuthu to gain promotion to the PSL. As if it was not enough Karuru led the Warriors to COSAFA Cup glorry.
However Amazulu could have had another Zimbabwean on its list, coach Joey Antipas. Unfortunately they parted ways a week ago.
Freshman Talent Chawapiwa is one lad to look out for. He had an impressive COSAFA tournament and was a regular at FC Platinum.
Other stars like Eric Chipeta, Danny Phiri, Cuthbert Malajila and goalkeeper Gorge Chigova are hoping to return their places in first eleven at their respective clubs.
However it is not all rossy for 2015/16 PSL soccer star of the year Khama Billiat as tensions are reportedly getting stronger with his pay masters. Though he had contributed fairly to the team in the years he served reports have said that he is no longer happy at Sundowns and his departure is iminent.
Billiat has not featured effectively at his club and recently he has been making headlines in the media for what they are calling ‘bad reasons’. Hopefully he will get his mojo and mesmerise his football tricks in the PSL if he is still staying.
