ZIFA condemns Ascot, Vengere Stadiums for PSL matches

With the 2023 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League set to kick off on March 18, the Zimbabwe Football Association has condemned Ascot Stadium in Gweru and Vengere Stadium in Rusape for failing to meet the minimum standards.

PSL communications and media liaison officer Kudzai Bare confirmed the development, saying the two stadiums would only host matches after meeting the necessary standards.

“Please be advised that Ascot Stadium and Vengere Stadium have failed to meet the minimum stadium requirements as set by the ZIFA Club Licensing First Instance Body. The stadia will not host PSL matches until the necessary requirements are met,” she said.

Ascot stadium was home to the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) owned team Hwahwa Football Club last year, while newly promoted Sheasham Football Club was also expected to use the same facility this season.

The announcement that Ascot stadium would not be available due to its poor state means that the two teams would be playing all their matches away from home.

Two Zimbabwe National Army owned soccer outfits Black Rhinos and Craneborne Bullets were using Vengere Stadium in Rusape would have to find a new home ground.

Meanwhile, the rest of the fixtures showed that cash-rich outfits Zvishavane-based FC Platinum and Shamva-based Simba Bhora will lock horns on the opening day of the PSL season at Wadzanayi Stadium in Shamva.

Dynamos FC, one of the oldest football clubs in the country will be away to Hwange FC, whilst its bitter rivals Highlanders, will be entertaining ZPC Kariba at Barbourfields stadium in Bulawayo.

Caps United will be home battling it out with Manica Diamonds from Mutare, whilst Chicken Inn will be away to Sheasham FC who are yet to secure a venue following the banishment of Ascot stadium.

Other fixtures lined up include Yadah FC versus Green Fuel FC, whilst army outfits Black Rhinos and Craneborne Bullets will be squaring off with each other at a venue to be announced.

Bulawayo Chiefs will be playing at home against Mhondoro-based Ngezi Platinum Stars FC while Triangle FC will be at home against Herentals College FC.