Sports Correspondent
South African footballers have been urged to consider joining Zimbabwe’s Premier Soccer League (PSL), with FC Platinum coach Thabo Senong arguing that the domestic top-flight competition is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for players in the region.
Senong, a South African who recently took charge of FC Platinum, said Zimbabwean football was changing and that improvements in player welfare could help the league attract more talent from across southern Africa.
The former South African coach believes players should be willing to explore opportunities beyond their home leagues rather than automatically regarding South Africa as the region’s only major football destination.
“If we, as the leadership, as football administrators and the technical teams, take care of players, then it will attract players from everywhere,” Senong told FARPost.
He described the Zimbabwean PSL as a “very good and interesting product”, while highlighting player welfare as an important factor in making the competition more appealing to foreign footballers.
Zimbabwe’s top-flight clubs have increasingly turned to players from outside the country, with footballers from Malawi, Eswatini and West Africa featuring in the league.
Botswana international goalkeeper Victor James, for example, has joined CAPS United, adding to the growing presence of regional talent in the Zimbabwean league.
Senong believes the trend could eventually extend to South African players, particularly if Zimbabwean clubs continue improving their professionalism and treatment of footballers.
“I would urge players to open themselves up to opportunities outside the borders. If you get a chance to come to Zimbabwe, take it,” he said.
Senong’s return to Zimbabwe has also brought another familiar South African football figure into the domestic game.
Former Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana midfielder Reneilwe “Yeye” Letsholonyane is working alongside him at FC Platinum as an assistant coach.
The pair have overseen a positive start, with FC Platinum winning their opening two matches under the new coaching partnership before drawing 0-0 with defending champions Scottland FC.
FC Platinum defeated Agama FC 1-0 in the Castle Lager PSL before beating Blackrock FC 2-0 in the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup.
Senong’s comments come at a time when Zimbabwean football is seeking to strengthen its competitiveness and appeal within the region.
