Bulawayo Chiefs and Hwange were relegated from the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) on Saturday, November 23, joining Arenel Movers and Chegutu Pirates, who had already been demoted.
Chiefs and Hwange finished in 15th and 16th positions on the log, sealing their fate.
Bulawayo Chiefs had the upper hand going into their final match, as a victory at Sakubva Stadium would have guaranteed their safety. They seemed to be on track when Migoz Svinurai converted a penalty in the 62nd minute.
However, Manica Diamonds turned the game around late, with Evans Katema equalizing from the penalty spot in the 82nd minute, followed by a match-winning goal from Michael Tapera two minutes later.
Hwange, on the other hand, fell 2-0 to Bikita Minerals at Wadzanai Stadium. The victory allowed Bikita Minerals to avoid relegation themselves, adding to the heartbreak for Hwange.
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Arenel Movers had already been confirmed as the first team to be relegated earlier in the season, while Chegutu Pirates, who ended the campaign in 17th place, will return to the Northern Region Soccer League after just one season in the top flight.
The 2025 ZIFA Southern Region Soccer League will now include three teams relegated from the PSL: Bulawayo Chiefs, Hwange, and Arenel Movers.
Chiefs ended their season with 36 points, followed by Hwange with 35, Chegutu Pirates on 33, and Arenel Movers at the bottom with 23 points.
In other news, GreenFuel capped off their season with a 2-1 victory over Dynamos, remaining unbeaten at home throughout their first full campaign at the GreenFuel Arena in Chisumbanje.
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