HARARE – Zimbabwe premiership giants Dynamos and Caps United posted victories while Highlanders fired blanks in their 2023 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League opening matches weekend.
Reigning champions FC Platinum also had a sublime start to their title defence following a 2-1 defeat of newcomers Simba Bhora in a match played Saturday at the National Sports Stadium.
In other matches played same day, Dynamos edged Hwange FC 1-0 to remind the premiership returnees of the tough life in topflight football.
Dembare collected the three points courtesy of a Tinashe Makanda effort after 69 minutes of the encounter.
Dynamos gaffer Herbert Maruwa was pleased with the victory.
“I think it’s a good start for us. It was always going to be difficult to play Hwange away from home. I am happy with our play but we still need to sharpen our strikers, but it’s good we are creating those opportunities,” said the Dynamos head coach.
Former champions Chicken Inn had a lukewarm start to their title hunt after being restricted to a 0-0 draw by premiership newboys Sheasham.
Bulawayo Chiefs also shared the spoils with visiting Ngezi Platinum in a 1-1 fulltime score line.
In matches played Sunday, Caps United did themselves a favour by beating visiting Manica Diamonds 2-0.
The Harare giants found the target through Thulani Joseph and Blessing Sarupinda.
Triangle United gave Herentals a football lesson with a 1-0 defeat of the students while Highlanders failed to use home advantage by playing to a nil-all draw with visiting ZPC Kariba.
Match Day 1 continues Monday with double header clashes between Yadah and Green Fuels FC at 12pm with Cranborne Bullets taking on Black Rhinos at 3pm.
Both matches will be played at the National Sports Stadium.
RESULTS AT A GLANCE:
SATURDAY MATCHES: Simba Bhora 1-2 FC Platinum, Sheasham 0-0 Chicken Inn, Bulawayo Chiefs 1-1, Ngezi Platinum, Hwange 0-1 Dynamos
SUNDAY MATCHES: Caps United 2-0 Manica Diamonds, Triangle United 1-0 Herentals, Highlanders 0-0 ZPC Kariba
