Howard Musonza
Head, Zimpapers Sports Hub
IT started with a derby and a dream. Now, Ngoni Stadium is writing the blueprint for Zimbabwe’s digital football future.
The Premier Soccer League is pressing ahead with its ambitious e-ticketing revolution, following the successful pilot in the much-hyped “Flamboyance Derby” between MWOS and Scottland a fortnight ago. The next test? A high-stakes midweek clash this Thursday as league leaders MWOS host a rejuvenated CAPS United at the same Norton fortress.
This second phase of the PSL’s e-ticketing project is expected to further refine the digital entry experience for fans and lay the groundwork for a nationwide roll-out that could forever change how local supporters attend matches.
“The first pilot project at Ngoni was a huge success,” said Acting PSL CEO Rodwell Thabe. “Nearly 6 000 tickets were processed without any incident. We had zero cases of counterfeit tickets, no technical glitches and smooth gate processing. It proved extremely popular with fans who appreciated the convenience and planning it allowed.”
All tickets for the MWOS vs Scottland match were sold in advance, a rare feat in Zimbabwean football and the same format will be used again this Thursday.
Thabe says the aim is to move from just pre-sale digital ticketing to full online sales after this second match.
“After this second game at Ngoni, the next phase is online sales. We’re taking it one step at a time, testing, improving and expanding.”
The PSL is now calling on stadium authorities across the country to prepare their facilities for integration.
“We want to extend the system nationwide,” Thabe added. “But this will require collaboration with stadium owners. They need to upgrade infrastructure, provide fibre bandwidth, and plug-in points. Ngoni is now the bench-mark. We’ll be engaging all stakeholders to ensure fans everywhere can enjoy a seamless match day experience.”
Ngoni Stadium’s transformation, from a modest ground to a tech-powered venue with FIFA-compliant turnstiles and full fibre connectivity, has been nothing short of remarkable.
Off the pitch, the future is digital. On the pitch, the intensity is very much present.
MWOS, still unbeaten after 15 rounds, were pushed to the limit in their last outing, a dramatic 2–2 draw away to Triangle United.
It was the first time this season they failed to win after taking the lead, a sign that the chase pack might finally be catching on to Lloyd Mutasa’s slick tactics.
CAPS United, meanwhile, arrive in Norton on a rare high. Their narrow 1–0 win over Chicken Inn at Rufaro broke a six-year jinx and could be the turning point in a roller-coaster season.
With Dynamos stumbling again, this time drawing 1–1 with Bikita Minerals, and Highlanders losing 3–2 to Simba Bhora at Barbourfields in a match that ignited fan fury, there’s a sense that traditional giants are losing grip on the title chase.
Meanwhile, Scottland bounced back from their bruising Norton experience with a scrappy 1–0 win over Kwekwe United and will look to keep pace when they travel to Chisumbanje for a tricky tie against GreenFuel, a side still reeling from their shock 0–1 home loss to TelOne, which ended an 18-month unbeaten streak.
The PSL returns with a full slate of midweek fixtures as the race intensifies across the board:
Wednesday: TelOne vs ZPC Kariba (Ascot Stadium)
Herentals vs FC Platinum (Rufaro Stadium), Simba Bhora vs Bikita Minerals (Wadzanayi Stadium), Manica Diamonds vs Highlanders (Sakubva Stadium), Chicken Inn vs Ngezi Platinum Stars (Luveve Stadium), GreenFuel vs Scottland (GreenFuel Arena)
Thursday: Dynamos vs Yadah (Rufaro Stadium)
MWOS vs CAPS United (Ngoni Stadium), Kwekwe United vs Triangle United (Bata Stadium)
With pressure mounting and surprises coming from every direction, the PSL’s 2025 season has become as unpredictable as it is thrilling. But in Norton, it’s not just about who wins, it’s about how fans are let in.
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