By OnSport Reporter
The Zimbabwe Castle Lager Premier Soccer League is undergoing a dramatic transformation ahead of the 2026 season, with a wave of confirmed and rumored coaching changes sweeping across the league, which might go down in the history of the league as the busiest.
From defending champions to traditional giants, clubs are making bold moves in a high-stakes reshuffle of technical leadership. While several teams have already unveiled new head coaches, the rumor mill is in overdrive regarding other major clubs poised to announce significant appointments, setting the stage for a fiercely contested campaign.
A period of major transition is defining the PSL off-season, as a series of high-profile coaching appointments and rumors signal a dramatic reshuffle of technical teams ahead of the 2026 season.
Confirmed Coaching Appointments
The following clubs have officially announced new technical leadership:
FC Platinum: Head Coach Joel Luphahla joins from Simba Bhora, replacing the long-serving Norman Mapeza.
CAPS United: Takesure “Deco” Chiragwi has signed a three-year contract as head coach. He will be assisted by Ian Bakala, with Tinashe Nengomasha taking over as team manager.
Chicken Inn FC: Reigning PSL Coach of the Year Tonderai Ndiraya joins on a three-year deal from champions Scottland FC. His technical team includes Naison Muchekela and Fortune Ncube as assistants.
Simba Bhora: Mandla Mpofu is the new head coach, following the departure of Joel Luphahla after a mutual agreement to part ways.
HardRock FC: The Central Region champions have appointed Kelvin Kaindu as head coach, who joins from Harare giants Dynamos.
Scottland FC: Defending champions Scottland have secured Norman Mapeza as their new head coach. He takes over from Tonderayi Ndiraya and will lead the club’s CAF Champions League campaign.
Highlanders: The crestfallen giants have confirmed South African Thabo Senong as their new head coach. He will be assisted by their former striker Mkhokheli Dube. Zenzo Moyo is likely going to be announced as the team manager with Benjani Mwaruwari as the technical director.
Highly Likely & Rumored Appointments
Several other major moves are widely reported but await official confirmation:
Ngezi Platinum Stars: Kumbirai Mutiwekuziva is widely expected to be announced as head coach, with Clifford Dzvairo—who recently left Hunters FC after securing promotion—anticipated as his assistant.
Dynamos FC: The situation at Dynamos remains fluid. The club is actively searching and is exploring an ambitious move to bring back former title-winning coach Callisto Pasuwa, who is currently with the Malawi national team. Triangle United’s Genesis Mangombe is also a reported alternative candidate. Experienced Zambian gaffer Wedson Nyirenda could also take over at the Chibuku Cup champions.
Continuity for Some
Amidst the widespread changes, some clubs are opting for stability. Manica Diamonds are expected to continue with Tafadzwa Mashiri as their substantive head coach.
This flurry of activity promises to redefine tactical battles and team dynamics, making the buildup to the 2026 PSL season one of the most intriguing in recent memory.