The Zimbabwe Football Association has proposed expanding the Premier Soccer League from its current 18 teams to 20, with the plan expected to take effect from the 2026 season if approved.
In a letter dated 10 November 2025 addressed to the PSL Chief Executive Officer, ZIFA General Secretary Yvonne Mapika Manwa said the shift aligns Zimbabwe’s top-flight competition with major international leagues, many of which operate 20-team formats.
She noted that a larger league would create a more balanced season schedule that aligns better with FIFA’s global calendar.
ZIFA believes two additional clubs in the top tier would broaden national participation, giving teams from more regions the chance to compete at the highest level. Manwa added that such representation would support talent development and strengthen football pathways across the country.
The association also argues that more league fixtures would enhance the PSL’s commercial value—offering increased content for broadcasters and sponsors, while giving fans a richer season. This, ZIFA says, would help improve the financial sustainability and visibility of domestic football.
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As part of the broader restructuring plan, ZIFA is also exploring the formation of a National First Division League, which would streamline the pyramid below the PSL and provide a clear and competitive system for promotion and relegation.
“ZIFA will consult widely with the PSL, Regional Leagues, club executives, and other key stakeholders to ensure that the expansion process is inclusive and well-coordinated,” Manwa wrote in the letter.
“We seek the PSL’s cooperation and feedback as we move toward strengthening the development of Zimbabwean football.”
The proposal comes at a dramatic moment in the 2025 PSL campaign, where traditional giants Dynamos and Highlanders find themselves hovering near the relegation zone with one game left to play.
CAPS United, meanwhile, appear safe with 40 points.
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