The Zimbabwe homecoming: Why PSL stars are returning

The return of former PSL stars to Zimbabwe has thrust player salaries in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League into the spotlight. Clubs rarely reveal how much they pay players and signing-on fees. But the latest signings by a number of clubs in Zimbabwe suggest that salaries in the country’s football circles are changing.

FARPost looks at the reason behind the sudden return of players to Zimbabwe and how teams like Scottland FC and Hardrock FC have raised the stakes in the country to attract big-name players from the PSL.

Individually owned clubs Scottland FC and Hardrock FC are topping the list in terms of spending to lure highly rated talent. Scottland FC made their Zimbabwe PSL debut in the 2025 season, while Hardrock made theirs in the ongoing 2026 season.

Scottland are led by gold mining mogul and Zimbabwean parliamentarian Scott Sakupwanya, while Hardrock FC are owned by Shepherd ‘Magodora’ Chahwanda. He is a mining mogul and businessman behind the construction of the state-of-the-art Chahwanda Stadium.

The two, Sakupwanya and Chahwanda, have raised the stakes in Zimbabwe’s Castle Lager Premier Soccer League, making their clubs a desired destination for many players.

FOREIGN PLAYERS FLOCKING TO ZIMBABWE’S PSL

A number of former PSL stars returned to Zimbabwe this year, among them goalkeeper Washington Arubi, winger Edmore Chirambadare, striker Prince Dube and defender Gerald Takwara.

Last year, former Kaizer Chiefs attacker Knowledge Musona and ex-Orlando Pirates man Terrence Dzvukamanja returned, but that was after Khama Billiat led the way in 2024.

Additionally, there has been a massive influx of players from Eswatini, Namibia and Ghana into Zimbabwe’s PSL this season, further evidence that clubs now have the budget to look beyond borders.

The arrival of Thabo Senong and Reneilwe Letsholonyane to lead FC Platinum indicates an improvement in remuneration and that the club is now a better destination for coaches across the region. Senong is set to pocket R85 000 [USD 5 000] per month.

At the lowest level, a Zimbabwean player earns about US$300 [R5 000] per month. But the emergence of Scottland FC and Hardrock FC over the last two seasons has completely changed the landscape of the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League.

Previously, FC Platinum and Ngezi Platinum Stars were regarded as the best-paying teams in Zimbabwe. But in 2025, things changed when Scottland FC shocked the nation by luring Knowledge Musona back home from Saudi Arabia.

Musona played in South Africa for Kaizer Chiefs before stints in Germany at TSG Hoffenheim and FC Augsburg. In Belgium, he played for KV Oostende, RSC Anderlecht, KSC Lokeren, and KAS Eupen before moving to Saudi Arabia, where he featured for Al-Tai FC, Al Riyadh, and Al-Akhdoud.

HOW MUCH TOP PLAYERS ARE EARNING IN ZIMBABWE

On returning to Zimbabwe, Musona rose to become one of the highest-paid players at Scottland FC alongside Khama Billiat. The duo are said to be pocketing between R115 000 and R148 000 [USD 7 000 – 9 000] per month.

On arrival last season, Musona is said to have received R1.6 million [USD 100 000] in signing-on fees. At Scottland FC, most players are pocketing over R30 000 [USD 1 500] per month. Walter Musona is one of the top earners at Scottland, walking away with R50 000 [USD 3 000] per month.

FROM YANGA TO ZIMBABWE: PRINCE DUBE BECOMES HARDROCK FC’S HIGHEST EARNER

To show that they have the financial muscle, Scottland FC placed a bid for all-time leading goalscorer Peter Shalulile, but he has since joined Tanzania’s Young Africans.

At Hardrock FC, most players are said to be pocketing between R30 000 – R34 000 [USD 1 500 – 2 000]. However, the arrival of former SuperSport United [now Siwelele FC] and Young Africans striker Prince Dube has raised the stakes at the Zimbabwe PSL newbies. Dube is said to be pocketing over R50 000 [USD 3 000] per month, as the club’s top earner.

The 29-year-old made a surprise decision not to renew his stay at Young Africans, choosing instead to return to Zimbabwe where he previously played for Highlanders FC.

Hardrock FC is only Dube’s second club in Zimbabwe, and he has shown his quality by scoring three goals and providing one assist in the six games he has played for the club. But he has since suffered an injury setback against Manica Diamonds FC in a league tie last month.

Former Ajax Cape Town [now Cape Town Spurs FC] defender Gerald Takwara also joined Hardrock FC following a lengthy spell in the Middle East.

RELATED STORY: Khama Billiat’s Yadah transfer: A look at Zimbabwean Premier League salaries