Castle Lager PSL Week 1 Round up: A flurry of debu...

Castle Lager PSL Week 1 Round up: A flurry of debut goals open the season

Philemon Jambaya

The 2024 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League kicked off with a bang this past weekend, showcasing a flurry of debut goals and reminding fans why this league is a hotbed of Zimbabwean footballing talent.

While defending champions Ngezi Platinum Stars and newcomers Arenel Movers played a goalless draw on Saturday, the other matches saw a healthy dose of attacking football.

Eriya Mafirenyika, who donned the TelOne jersey after playing for Triangle last season, secured the distinction of scoring the first goal of the campaign in the 10th minute when the Wifi Boys drew 2-2 against ZPC Kariba at Nyamhunga on Saturday.

Speaking of debuts, this opening round was a coming-out party for several players. FC Platinum’s Juan Mutudza, the scorer of the season’s second goal in their 1-0 victory over Chegutu Pirates, might not be a newcomer to the league, but his strike marked a strong start for the defending champions.

The new boys also made their mark. TelOne saw a double debut with goals from Mafirenyika and Polyester Shoko (formerly Sheasham). ZPC Kariba found the net courtesy of Clive Dzingai (ex-Chicken Inn), while Simba Bhora witnessed a dream debut for both Junior Makunike (ex-Dynamos) and Billy Veremu (ex-Bulawayo Chiefs).

Elsewhere, Kudzi Demere (ex-ZPC Kariba) announced his return to Manica Diamonds with a spectacular goal directly from a corner kick. Dynamos saw Alexander Mandinyenya (ex-Simba Bhora) get on the scoresheet, while Green Fuel welcomed Anelka Chivandire (formerly with Orapa United, Botswana) with a debut goal. Even Hwange saw a familiar face return to form, with Gift Mbweti scoring after his stint with FC Platinum.

This opening weekend highlighted the depth of talent in the Castle Lager PSL. With established stars alongside a wave of impressive debutants, the 2024 season promises to be an exciting one for Zimbabwean football fans.