Harare, (New Ziana) – The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has proposed that the Premier Soccer League (PSL) increase its number of teams to 20 and introduce a National First Division league effective the 2026 season.
In a letter to the PSL, ZIFA stated that the proposal aims to strengthen the national football ecosystem by creating a broader platform for player development, coaching exposure, and administrative experience.
ZIFA also informed the PSL of its intention to conduct wide-ranging consultations on the establishment of a National First Division (NFD) league, which would serve as the immediate feeder league to the PSL.
“Pursuant to our mandate to develop, organize, and regulate football across all levels in the country, ZIFA wishes to formally propose the increase in the number of teams participating in the Premier Soccer League from eighteen (18) to twenty (20), effective from the 2026 season,” reads the letter.
Currently, the country’s second tier is made up of four regional Division One leagues overseen by ZIFA. The proposed NFD would merge these regional championships into a single national competition.
“Expanding the league will create more opportunities for clubs from various regions to participate at the highest level, thereby promoting inclusivity, talent identification, and balanced regional representation”
This is not the first time ZIFA has suggested such a move. The idea was initially introduced in 2017 during Philip Chiyangwa’s tenure, when the Premier Soccer League expanded to 18 teams. Another effort was made under Felton Kamambo’s leadership, but failed to take off.
New Ziana
