THE Premier Soccer League (PSL) has taken a massive stride toward professionalising the domestic game by releasing the fixtures for the first half of the 2026 season a full three months before kickoff.
For years, the league’s administration has faced heavy criticism for a “last-minute” culture, often releasing schedules barely a fortnight before the opening whistle.
This early release marks a welcome shift, allowing clubs to plan logistics, secure sponsorships and manage player loads with unprecedented foresight.
The league is set to roar into life on the weekend of March 6–8, 2026.
While the full calendar for Match Days 1 through 17 is now public, the PSL noted that dates for the second half of the season, Match Days 18–34, will be finalised only after the CAF, CHAN, and Cosafa international schedules are confirmed to avoid disruptive postponements.
The opening weekend is headlined by a glamorous showdown at the state-of-the-art Chahwanda Stadium --- The Heart Main Arena.
Newly-promoted side Hardrock FC, known for their deep pockets and flamboyant style, will host the defending champions, Scottland FC, in a match that symbolises the shift in power toward the league’s new “moneybags”.
Elsewhere on Match Day 1, MWOS FC, who finished a stunning second in their debut season, host newcomers Hunters FC.
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2024 champions Simba Bhora face a tricky away trip to Mutare to play Manica Diamonds.
Dynamos, having narrowly escaped relegation on the final day of the previous season, travel to Gweru to face TelOne FC.
Caps United host promoted side Agama FC, while Highlanders engage in a “returning” Bulawayo Derby against Bulawayo Chiefs.
Fans won’t have to wait long for the biggest game in Zimbabwean football.
The Battle of Zimbabwe occurs as early as Match Day 2, with Dynamos hosting Highlanders in a high-stakes encounter.
Meanwhile, the big Harare Derby between Caps United and Highlanders is slated for Match Day 11 that is May 8–10, 2026.
Another grudge match to watch is the clash between Scottland FC and MWOS FC in late April.
Their bitter rivalry, forged during a contentious Division 1 title race last year, is expected to reach fever pitch in the topflight.
As the fixtures dominate headlines, the “Big Three” find themselves in vastly different positions.
Caps United have shown the most intent to reclaim their glory, appointing title-winning coach Takesure Chiragwi to lead the Green Machine.
They have backed him with a massive overhaul, signing 12 players, including stars like Obriel Chirinda, Delic Murimba and goalkeeper Wallace Magalane.
In contrast, chaos seems to reign at Dynamos and Highlanders.
Both giants survived a harrowing relegation scrap last season, but enter the new year without head coaches.
Highlanders notably fired Dutchman Pieter de Jongh and made headlines by turning down an offer from business mogul Wicknell Chivayo, who had proposed hiring former Warriors captain Benjani Mwaruwari and footing the entire bill for his salary and transfers.
The new powerhouses are not resting.
Scottland FC brought in Norman Mapeza after parting with Tonderai Ndiraya, who won them the historic maiden championship on debut.
Simba Bhora signed Mandla Mpofu, who replaces Joel Luphahla, now at FC Platinum.
Kelvin Kaindu joined debutants Hardrock FC after helping DeMbare escape relegation.
With the “monied” teams like Scottland and Hardrock poaching elite coaches and the traditional giants struggling for stability, the 2026 season promises a fascinating tug-of-war for the soul of Zimbabwean football.
