Independence Cup features new teams as Dynamos and Highlanders miss out

By Staff Reporter

The government has announced that the 2024 Premier Soccer League reigning champions Simba Bhora and runners-up FC Platinum will battle it all out in this year’s Independence Cup final, while the two fallen football giants Highlanders and Dynamos, miss out on this invitational competition.

The 2025 Independence Day celebrations will also see a yet-to-be-announced lineup play at the traditional overnight musical gala, which is set to take place at the Nembudziya Growth Point Open Ground in Gokwe North on April 18, 2025.

Despite Dynamos and Highlanders having the most fan base and also being the most successful teams to be picked for this Cup final, their recent years performances have led to a decline in their standings, paving the way for mining teams like FC Platinum and Ngezi Platinum to take part in the Independence Cup.

The Simba Bhora and FC Platinum feature was announced on Tuesday during a post-cabinet media briefing in Harare by the Information Minister Jenfan Muswere.

“Simba Bhora and FC Platinum Football clubs which emerged as the first and second positioned teams in the Premier League will entertain the crowds during the main Independence Day Anniversary celebrations, while Herentals Queens and Black Rhinos Football Clubs will play during the 2025 Children’s Party celebrations”, said Muswere.

Dynamos, who claimed the Independence Cup title after beating Highlanders 1-0 in the 2024 Cup final at Uhera Stadium, Murambinda B High School, will now find themselves spectators of this prestigious cup final.

Independence Cup Winners

1983 : Dynamos (Harare)

1984 : Dynamos (Harare)

1985 : Zonal match

1986 : Highlanders (Bulawayo)

1987 : Black Rhinos (Harare)

1988 : Highlanders (Bulawayo)

1989 : Zimbabwe Saints (Bulawayo)

1990 : Dynamos (Harare)

1991 : Highlanders (Bulawayo)

1992 : CAPS United (Harare)

1993 : CAPS United (Harare)

1994 : Chapungu United (Gweru)

1995 : Dynamos (Harare)

1996 : CAPS United (Harare)

1997 : CAPS United (Harare)

1998 : Highlanders (Bulawayo)

1999 : Amazulu (Bulawayo)

2000 : No cup held

2001 : Highlanders (Bulawayo)

2002 : Highlanders (Bulawayo)

2003 : Black Rhinos (Harare)

2004 : Dynamos (Harare)

2005 : Motor Action

2006 : Masvingo United (Masvingo)

2007 : Masvingo United (Masvingo)

2008 : Shooting Stars

2009 : Njube Sundowns (Gwanda)

2010 : Dynamos (Harare)

2011 : Highlanders (Bulawayo)

2012 : Platinum (Zvishavane)

2013 : Dynamos (Harare)

2014 : Platinum (Zvishavane)

2015 : Platinum (Zvishavane)

2016 : Chicken Inn FC (Bulawayo)

2017 : Dynamos (Harare)

2019 : Highlanders (Bulawayo)

2020 : Not held

2021 : Dynamos (Harare)

2022 : Highlanders (Bulawayo)

2023 : Highlanders (Bulawayo)

2024 : Dynamos (Harare)