Zimbabwe PSL 2026: Chiefs and Highlanders face home tests

Herentals arrive in fourth place on 45 points from 26 matches as Highlanders prepare to host them in the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League on 23 August. CAPS United, known as Makepekepe, sit sixth with 42 points and visit Bulawayo Chiefs, who are 12th on 30 points.

Chiefs will meet CAPS United at Luveve Stadium in the first of two major fixtures for Bulawayo’s top-flight clubs. The home side are seeking a result that can lift them from the lower half of the table, while Makepekepe remain close enough to the leading teams to strengthen their position with another win.

The difference in league standing gives CAPS United the stronger position on paper, but Chiefs have shown during the season that they can trouble higher-ranked opponents, particularly at home. Their task will be to remain organised against a visiting side that has maintained a strong campaign and is targeting a high finish.

Highlanders then turn to their meeting with Herentals at Barbourfields Stadium. Bosso are seventh on 38 points and need to close the seven-point gap separating them from their visitors. The match follows a 1-1 league draw with Chicken Inn, after Highlanders had defeated the same opponents in the Chibuku Super Cup through a penalty shootout.

Herentals’ recent league record has been mixed but includes three victories in their last five matches. They beat Hunters 1-0 away, defeated Manica Diamonds 1-0 at home and won 1-0 at Triangle United, with losses of 1-0 away to Ngezi Platinum and 2-0 at home to Hardrock. Their season record stands at 13 wins, six draws and seven defeats, with 29 goals scored and 22 conceded.

Herentals coach Paul Benza has stressed the importance of defensive discipline for the away fixture. He also regards Highlanders as a more difficult opponent at home, while accepting that a draw would represent a useful return for his team. The two matches give Bulawayo’s clubs separate opportunities to improve their league positions during the decisive part of the season.